JD(S) losing Muslim votes, with it Channapatna

Congress candidate from Channapatna CP Yogeshwar reckoned that the populous Muslim community of Channapatna had abandoned JD(S) ticket holder Nikhil Kumaraswamy, ensuring the latter's defeat in the November 13 by-election.

- Maqsood Myar

Speaking exclusively to News Trail, Yogeshwar – a five-time local MLA – said that in his estimation, Muslims had voted heavily in favour of JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy in the 2018 and 2023 Assembly elections, handing him defeats both times. It is to be noted that Yogeshwar contested on a BJP ticket both times. The former MLA implied that since JD(S) had tied up with the BJP, they had lost Muslim support.

Muslims are the second most populous community in the Channapatna seat, accounting for some 14.28 per cent and upwards of 35,000 votes, according to unofficial estimates. Meanwhile, the constituency is dominated by the landed Vokkaliga caste who account for 59 per cent and over 1,37,000 voters. Notably, both Nikhil and Yogeshwar are Vokkaligas.