DKS with Rahul and Kharge

New Delhi: The Congress’ surgical operation in Karnataka is based on the Siddaramaiah government’s estimation of a hiatus after three years and its expectations from DK Shivakumar, with the focus on the future political battles – the 2028 assembly elections followed by the Lok Sabha elections.The change from Siddaramaiah to Shivakumar is rooted in the informal arrangement that was made at the time of CM selection after a bitter tussle between the two for the top post.But, sources said, the change has come at the right time for a clean slate to blunt the anti-incumbency wave that arises for every government in Karnataka. Constant speculation about change of power in the state has harmed Congress in the general perception.Also read: Jail, 7 years of beard and a pledge – Kanakapura’s rocker DK Shivakumar’s path to CM seatThe three-fold expectations from DKS are the urban base and rallying of young voters and integration of the Vokkaliga community. He is also expected to instill a fresh perception about governance.Congress strategists believe this is important to compensate for the popular loss suffered by the party in power in Karnataka. While the DKS belongs to the strong farming community living in Bengaluru and old Mysuru areas, the alliance between BJP and JDS looks set to hurt the Congress in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections after the party’s good performance in the assembly elections a year ago.Also, it is expected that despite the loss of power, Shivakumar’s “brand of politics” and organizational appeal will attract urban voters, including the youth. A party manager said, “He is the kind of person who can do this.”The impression is that the Ahinda mobilization that started with the launch of Siddaramaiah’s front line will continue. The party is particularly hopeful after the Chief Minister ensured a smooth transition, even though warnings were rife about hesitation in the party after negative experiences with such sensitive moves in the past.Congress was hopeful that Siddaramaiah would come to Rajya Sabha, but his staying in the state is also favorable for the party. As per future plans, Congress is counting on adding new factions to the old base to take care of the voter drift due to the anti-incumbency wave.