Nation

IIE Digital Desk : Congress' significant victory in the Karnataka Assembly elections has prompted poll strategist Prashant Kishor (PK) to issue a warning to the party leadership and activists. While acknowledging the success, PK advised against relying solely on this result for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Speaking during his 'Jan Sooraj' Yatra political campaign in Bihar, PK emphasized that the assembly election outcome should not be considered indicative of the party's performance in the national elections.

PK stated, "I extend my congratulations to the Congress for their success in Karnataka. However, I caution them against solely depending on this result for the Lok Sabha polls." It is worth noting that PK is currently on a break from campaigning due to a leg injury and is undergoing treatment.

Experienced pollsters have reminded that despite winning the previous year's assembly elections, the Congress suffered defeat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Similarly, after triumphing in major states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the party faced setbacks in the 2019 assembly elections. PK also cited the example of Uttar Pradesh, where the Samajwadi Party secured a clear majority in the 2012 state elections, but the BJP-led NDA claimed 73 out of 80 seats in the subsequent Lok Sabha polls two years later.

These instances serve as a reminder that assembly election victories do not guarantee success in the Lok Sabha polls, as political dynamics and voter sentiments can differ significantly. PK's cautionary statement aims to prevent the Congress from becoming overconfident and encourages them to focus on a comprehensive strategy for the upcoming national elections.