After sulking for a while in the aftermath of a massive rout for the Congress in five states, including Uttar Pradesh Karnataka Chief Ministerhas regained confidence about a 2018 Congress victory after winning two assembly seats in the April 9 by-elections. But it was an election between secular forces and communal forces.After its win in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP was under the illusion that there is a Modi wave across the country. But this is Karnataka, the land influenced by the thoughts of Basavanna (the 12th century social reformer), sages and Sufi saints. It is the most secular, cosmopolitan state.The Congress’ victory trail to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will begin from Karnataka. Karnataka is not Uttar Pradesh, our politics is different.

Source: Economic Times April 15, 2017 18:22 UTC