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

In the upcoming elections, BJP’s Tejasvi Surya is competing against Congress’ Sowmya Reddy for the Bengaluru South Lok Sabha seat. The constituency comprises eight Assembly segments, each with its unique voter dynamics and political history. Since 1991, Bengaluru South has primarily been a stronghold for the BJP, with one exception in 1989 when the Congress emerged victorious. This time, Tejasvi Surya faces a spirited challenge from Sowmya Reddy, who enjoys significant support in specific segments due to her father’s influence as the state transport minister.

Surya, aged 33, is relying on his stronghold in Basavanagudi, Bommanahalli, and Padmanabhanagar, while Reddy, aged 41, expects substantial support from BTM Layout, Jayanagar, and Govindraj Nagar, where her father holds significant influence. The constituency represents a blend of diverse communities, including Schedule Caste, Vokkaligas, Brahmins, and Muslims, presenting a challenge for both candidates to appeal to a wide demographic range. The BJP’s decision to field Surya in 2019 came after the demise of the party’s long-standing MP Ananth Kumar. In the previous election, Surya secured victory by defeating Congress veteran BK Hariprasad with a substantial margin.

The constituency, known for its mix of upscale neighborhoods and slum populations, has drawn attention from both parties, with the Congress banking on its “Shakti” guarantee and Sowmya Reddy’s association with initiatives such as free government bus travel for women. With over 23 lakh voters, the Bengaluru South Lok Sabha seat is highly sought after, and it will be pivotal in shaping the political landscape of Karnataka. As part of the second phase of the elections, this constituency, along with 13 others, will go to the polls on April 26th.