BJP Karnataka in-charge and National General Secretary Harish Dwivedi on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would work collectively to reclaim power in Karnataka in the 2028 assembly elections. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on his first official visit in the newly assigned role, Dwivedi laid out a combative roadmap against the ruling Congress government while also signalling continuity of the BJP-JD(S) alliance.

Congress Accused of Corruption and Neglect

Dwivedi launched a sharp offensive against the Congress administration, alleging that over the past three-and-a-half years the government had neglected the concerns of ordinary citizens while being mired in corruption. He claimed that voters were increasingly aware of how Congress leaders, MLAs, MPs, and ministers were allegedly looting the state.

He specifically targeted the recent hike in essential commodity prices, alleging that milk prices had been raised by around ₹8 per litre and curd prices had also been increased. Critics argue such price hikes disproportionately burden lower-income households, and Dwivedi framed them as evidence that Congress was focused solely on protecting its leaders and the interests of the Gandhi family rather than public welfare.

Dwivedi's First Visit as Karnataka In-Charge

Noting that this was his inaugural visit to the state in his new capacity, Dwivedi said he had attended meetings of state office-bearers and the party's core committee alongside state president B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday. He described the sessions as introductory discussions aimed at understanding the party's organisational structure and identifying steps to make the organisation more active ahead of the election cycle.

On Tuesday, he met senior BJP leader, former Chief Minister, and party Parliamentary Board member B.S. Yediyurappa to seek his guidance. Dwivedi credited Yediyurappa's leadership with enabling the BJP to function effectively in Karnataka both in government and in opposition over several years, and said they discussed strategies for collectively countering what he termed Congress's misrule.

Electoral Roll Revision and EVM Row

Responding to questions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Dwivedi defended the exercise, asserting it was not exclusive to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure. He pointed out that SIR had been conducted periodically from the era of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru through Indira Gandhi, and was designed to remove deceased voters, correct address changes, and eliminate duplicate entries.

Dwivedi also took aim at the Congress's pattern of questioning constitutional bodies after electoral defeats, alleging the party routinely blamed the Election Commission of India (ECI), Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and the Supreme Court instead of introspecting. He alleged Congress placed the Gandhi family above constitutional institutions — a charge the party has consistently denied.

Recent Council Wins and Alliance Status

Dwivedi pointed to the BJP-NDA's recent sweep of all four Karnataka Legislative Council seats as evidence of a shift in voter sentiment. He argued the victories — secured by large margins and backed by teachers and graduates — sent a clear message about the public's mood ahead of 2028.

On the BJP-JD(S) alliance, he confirmed that it remained intact and was progressing well, but said decisions on its future structure would be taken by the party's senior leadership. He also vouched for Vijayendra, calling him a capable young leader under whose guidance the party organisation was moving forward. Senior leaders including MP Govind Karjol were also present at the press interaction.

What to Watch Next

With Karnataka's next assembly election due in 2028, Dwivedi's visit signals the BJP is beginning its organisational groundwork well ahead of schedule. The party's ability to convert its recent council victories into a broader rural and urban mobilisation drive will be closely watched, particularly as it looks to challenge a Congress government that still has time to course-correct on governance and price-rise concerns.