ExplainerWhat Congress’ win over Modi’s BJP in Karnataka means for India’s 2024 election

The victory in Karnataka state polls was one of the most significant for Congress against Narendra Modi’s BJP since he took power nearly a decade ago

Whether Congress can build on that momentum in the BJP-dominated regions of north and west India remains unclear, however

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Supporters of India’s Congress party celebrate its victory in the Karnataka state assembly election in the southern city of Bangalore on Saturday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 1:03pm, 16 May 2023

A big Indian state election win has given a boost to Rahul Gandhi’s Congress party in its quest to unseat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a national vote next year. But it still faces a long road ahead.

The victory in Karnataka over the weekend was one of the most significant for Congress against Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party in major state elections since he took power nearly a decade ago. Now the question is whether Gandhi can build on that momentum in the five remaining state assembly elections before the 2024 vote.

It won’t be easy. Karnataka was the only southern state that Modi’s party had managed to win, and the next elections take place mainly in BJP-dominated regions in the north and west.

Here are the main takeaways from Karnataka elections:

Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader of India’s main opposition Congress party, arrives to address the media at the party headquarters in New Delhi after the initial poll results from Karnataka’s state elections. Photo: Reuters

Congress remains relevant

Karnataka was the first test at the polls for Gandhi since he was found guilty in March of making defamatory remarks about the prime minister’s last name at a campaign in the same state four years ago – a verdict he has appealed. He was ousted from parliament soon afterwards.