NEW DELHI, May 14 : A fine performance, even though it was on expected lines, given the sad state of affairs in the state, it has given the party a sound footing that can prove to be the right springboard for 2024.

The success of the Congress was only because of its steadfast focus on local issues and avoiding getting entangled in the Hindutva rhetoric. And, when it did get stuck for a moment after the Bajrang Dal reference in its manifesto, it decided not to back down. This possibly led to the consolidation of the Muslim votes in its favour at the expense of the Janata Dal (Secular), or JD(S).  Muslims account for nearly 13 per cent of the electorate and were usually split between the Congress and the JD(S). But this time, hurt by the hijab controversy, scrapping of the 4 per cent quota, and other such decisions of the state government, the Muslims consolidated behind the Congress. All across the state, the community has voted for the Congress in a big way. And the promise to restore the 4 per cent reservation for them drew them even closer to the Congress. 

The rest of the population seemed to be far more affected by the misgovernance or caste and community calls. All these factors helped the Congress to beat the BJP, more so, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who pulled out all the stops on the campaign trail. 

The Congress was also able to keep its flock united in the state. It was able to rein in its two stalwarts -- D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, who have been known to be at loggerheads with each other.  Their coordinated, well-crafted joint appearances were clear attempts to put up a clear united front. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, all travelling in the same car for the party meeting after the verdict, was an assuring picture.