Lack of organisation and strategy blamed for BJP's dominance, says Congress

Mangaluru: The recent state elections saw the Congress Party failing to secure a victory in the coastal districts despite a historical victory in Karnataka.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won all five seats in Udupi and secured five out of seven seats in Dakshina Kannada. Although Hindutva ideology played a significant role in BJP's success, Congress leaders believe that the party's organization and strategy in the region need strengthening to fight the BJP in the region.

"We have increased one seat in Dakshina Kannada, but we could have done better. BJP's strength lies in its organization in the region, and the BJP and Sangh Parivar work together for the election. On the other hand, various frontal organizations in Congress need to be active and better organized to achieve success," a senior Congress Party office bearer told Deccan Chronicle.

"Leaders like Janardhan Poojary and Oscar Fernandes were known for their ability to devise strategies, convene meetings with candidates, workers, and local leaders, and determine the most effective approach. However, such leadership is currently lacking in the region," he said.

He also opined that it is essential to create a separate team of party office bearers within the party that would work with the candidates in the respective constituency.

"The candidates should discuss their plans with this team and collaborate with them. As this is lacking in the region, it is challenging to compete with the BJP in the Coastal region unless we improve our organization," he added.