Bengaluru North Lok Sabha constituency, historically BJP-dominated, has elected candidates perceived as ‘outsiders’ to the city since 2004, sparking discontent within the party. Despite being a Vokkaliga stronghold, the BJP’s choice of candidates from different districts has stirred controversy. Shobha Karandlaje, hailing from Dakshina Kannada, is the latest nominee, facing resistance from local leaders advocating for indigenous representation. However, the party’s high command sees the constituency as an experimental ground due to its perceived safety, considering previous ‘outsider’ victories with substantial margins. Amidst debates, some BJP leaders argue that everyone in Bengaluru is both an ‘outsider’ and a ‘local,’ emphasizing past instances of candidates crossing district boundaries for electoral success.