Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) spokesperson H.A. Venkatesh on Saturday dismissed former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa’s prediction at the ‘Abhimanotsava’ in Chitradurga that the BJP would return to power in Karnataka, asserting that the Congress would retain power in the 2028 Assembly elections.

In a statement, Venkatesh said Yediyurappa’s comparison of Karnataka’s political future with the recent electoral outcome in West Bengal was “completely false”.

He alleged that the country was facing economic distress due to “war fears and the Union government’s ineffective foreign policy,” and claimed that the Congress government in Karnataka had been providing relief to people through its five guarantee schemes.

He further alleged that celebrations and public mobilisation efforts in Chitradurga were being organised mainly to strengthen the position of State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra.

Mr. Venkatesh said LPG cylinder prices had been sharply increased immediately after the West Bengal polls, accusing the BJP of burdening people during difficult times.

He argued that the recent bypoll results in Davanagere and Bagalkot had demonstrated public support for the Congress government.