Congress Survey Puts Party at 50-55 Seats, SIR Row a Diversion Tactic: Chalavadi Narayanaswamy

Bengaluru, Oct 6 : Karnataka Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Tuesday claimed that an internal Congress survey had projected the ruling party to win only 50-55 seats in the next Assembly elections, alleging that the government was now “unsettled” over the prospect of a united BJP-JD(S) alliance.

Speaking to reporters after NDA leaders met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot over the alleged misuse of Form-7, Narayanaswamy said the Congress had conducted an internal assessment of its electoral prospects and that the findings had caused concern within the ruling party.

“After removing the two-vote, three-vote additions, they have no confidence that they can return to power,” he alleged, referring to the NDA's allegations regarding electoral rolls.

Narayanaswamy further claimed that the survey had put the Congress at around 50-55 seats and alleged that the ruling party had started targeting the opposition after realising that the BJP and JD(S) were moving towards contesting the 2028 Assembly elections together.

He maintained that there was no confusion or dissent within the NDA and said the BJP and JD(S) would remain united not only for the 2028 Assembly elections but also for the forthcoming local body polls.

The BJP leader also alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy was being used by the government to divert public attention from the drought situation in Karnataka.

“After discussing the drought in the special session, the government should have immediately taken relief measures. Instead, SIR has been brought in to cover up the drought,” he alleged.

NDA leaders said farmers were facing crop losses and demanded immediate measures to ensure drinking water and fodder supplies, besides financial assistance. They alleged that adequate drought-relief funds had not reached the districts.

Earlier, the NDA leaders had submitted a complaint to the Governor alleging misuse of Form-7 and political targeting of BJP workers. They said they would continue their campaign against the alleged misuse of the SIR process.

The NDA leaders also welcomed senior BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa's assertion that the BJP and JD(S) would continue their alliance. They said the two parties had successfully contested the Lok Sabha elections together and would jointly face the upcoming local body elections.