2024 Lok Sabha Elections Phase 2: BJP’s Tejasvi Surya vs Congress’ Sowmya Reddy in Bengaluru South

In Bengaluru South, the battle is between BJP’s Tejasvi Surya and Congress’ Sowmya Reddy. The constituency consists of eight Assembly segments, and the BJP has been a dominant force in the area since 1991. However, this time, Surya faces a tough challenge from Reddy, who is backed strongly by her father, state transport minister Ramalinga Reddy. Reddy, 41, is expected to have significant support from segments where her father wields influence, such as BTM Layout, Jayanagar, and Govindraj Nagar.

On the other hand, Surya, 33, is relying on the backing of areas like Basavanagudi, Bommanahalli, and Padmanabhanagar. Additionally, Surya’s uncle, Ravi Subramanya, is an MLA from Basavanagudi, and Reddy is a former MLA from Jayanagar. In the 2019 elections, Surya was chosen by the BJP to represent the constituency after the passing of their six-time MP Ananth Kumar. He defeated Congress veteran BK Hariprasad by a considerable margin, becoming the youngest BJP MP in the Lok Sabha.

Bengaluru South is known for its mix of affluent neighborhoods and slum populations. The constituency has a diverse voter base, including communities like Schedule Caste, Vokkaligas, Brahmins, and Muslims. Both candidates face the challenge of appealing to this broad demographic. The Congress is emphasizing its “five guarantees” to challenge the BJP’s dominance in the area.

As the daughter of the state’s Transport Minister, Reddy’s campaign is highlighting the “Shakti” guarantee, which provides free bus travel for women on non-luxury government buses across the state. The Bengaluru South Lok Sabha seat will be contested on April 26, as part of the second phase of the ongoing elections in Karnataka. Out of the 28 constituencies in the state, 14 will vote in the second phase.