Shiv Sena says the Opposition has figured BJP out, in damning analysis of Karnataka bypolls. Read here

In what came as a major jolt for the BJP in Karnataka, the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance achieved a big win in the Karnataka bypolls by winning four out of five seats (three Lok Sabha bypolls and two assembly bypolls, in which the BJP only managed to win one LS bypoll) , in the results that were declared on November 6.

In this context, the Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece ‘Saamna’ has targeted BJP for its failure in the Karnataka bypolls, stating that the bypoll results were a ‘warning bell’ for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

"Now that BJP is left with only 272 seats in the Lok Sabha, this pattern after the result of the Karnataka bypolls may repeat in the upcoming general elections. While it was presumed that division of votes is the base for victory for BJP, Opposition parties have woken up to create an appropriate strategy of alliance against BJP.

First, we saw it coming out in Uttar Pradesh where the BSP and SP have joined hands. The same pattern was followed in Maharashtra, and now in Karnataka with Congress-JD(S) coming together to contest against BJP and coming out victorious,"  Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray stated in the Marathi publication.

The results of the Karnataka bypolls which came out on November 6 showed that BJP managed to retain only one seat -- the Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency, while the Congress party grabbed the Jamakhandi and Ballari seats. JD(S) candidates retained the Mandya Lok Sabha seat and Ramanagara assembly seats, which have been their strongholds.

READ: Why The Karnataka Bypoll Results Are No More Than The Status Quo

On November 6, both Congress and JD(S) also confirmed that they will fight the Lok Sabha election 2019 jointly, with Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy revealing the seat-sharing strategy of the parties.

"Our senior leaders are already talking regarding seat sharing. I do not think the number of seats is an issue. Our aim is to get 28 seats, for that, we have to sacrifice seats to any extent, we are prepared mentally. Congress is strong in Shivamogga, but in the by-polls, they proposed to put our candidate in the district and they have promised we can do that again in Lok Sabha. The political scenario in this state, each state has its own seat composition, this is going to benefit the coalition." Kumaraswamy had said.

READ: Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy Reveals Exclusive Details Of JD(S)-Congress Seat-sharing Strategy For 2019 Elections