Bengaluru: With its 2023 electoral momentum fading amid governance concerns and internal rifts, Karnataka Congress has activated poll strategists and survey agencies to assess ground realities ahead of the 2028 assembly elections.Senior party functionaries told TOI that Sunil Kanagolu, the party’s key strategist and chief adviser to chief minister DK Shivakumar, has set up shop and is building a team in Karnataka. They are expected to launch an extensive campaign as early as Jan 2027.Kanagolu, along with Thiruvallur (Tamil Nadu) Congress MP Sasikant Senthil, a former IAS officer, played a key role in the party’s 2023 victory. Two other agencies believed to be close to Shivakumar have also reportedly been activated to prepare for a challenge from the BJP-JD(S) NDA alliance.The early mobilisation comes as the govt faces mounting criticism over financial concerns, the sting operation controversy and prolonged internal factionalism, which have dented its image and affected cadre morale. Party sources say the strategists would help improve the govt’s image and reshape the political narrative.A recent private survey projected Congress winning 79 seats in 2028, against 145 for the BJP-JD(S) alliance if elections were held under the prevailing circumstances.However, deputy CM G Parameshwara said the party was not worried about current projections and that there is enough time to prepare.“We will strive to work harder for the welfare of the people. What is the point of talking about today’s situation?” said Parameshwara.Senior Congress legislators, meanwhile, stressed the need to strengthen the party’s organisational structure before the strategists begin work.“For them to operate, the party needs to have cadre strength. We are still in the process of appointing district Congress committee (DCC) presidents and other office-bearers. Only after we have the right apparatus in place can the strategists start working,” said a legislator.
