Mysuru, June 11 -- Legislative Council, Rajya Sabha nomination

In what is being seen as a strategic social outreach ahead of future elections, the BJP has sought to expand its support base among smaller and backward communities through its nomination to the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council.

The party's decision to nominate R. Raghu Kautilya, a leader from the Madivala community, which has an estimated population of nearly nine lakh in Karnataka, to the Legislative Council has drawn particular attention.

Political observers view the move as part of the BJP's efforts to strengthen its connection with backward and marginalised sections and counter perceptions that it primarily represents dominant social groups.

The Legislative Council...