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What next for left-wing politics after the Congress victory in Karnataka assembly election?
While the defeat of the fascist BJP is welcome, division within the Indian left is holding back progress, writes BHABANI SHANKAR NAYAK
JOY: Supporters of the Congress Party celebrate election results in the Karnataka state elections in Bengaluru, India

THE defeat of BJP-led Hindutva politics in Karnataka state is cause for celebration and hope for India’s secular constitutional democracy. 

The people of Karnataka, in the south-west of the country, rejected divisive and bigoted politics under Narendra Modi’s leadership. His campaign focused on polarisation, while the Congress Party led a positive campaign. 

The Congress Party successfully consolidated its votes and organisation, countering Hindutva propaganda with its five “guarantees” policy. 

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