The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown as counting has begun for the crucial by-elections in Bagalkot and Davanagere South. The passing of veteran leaders H.Y. Meti and Shamanur Shivashankarapp triggered the election. The polls serve as a vital mid-term litmus test for Karnataka’s political heavyweights. It will also test Siddaramaiah-led government’s mid-term popularity and the BJP’s resurgence in the state.
The Battleground: What’s at Stake?
Both constituencies fell vacant following the passing of veteran leaders and former ministers H.Y. Meti (Bagalkot) and Shamanur Shivashankarappa (Davanagere South). For the Congress, this is about more than just numbers; it’s about honouring the legacies of two titans while fending off a sharp offensive from the BJP.
In Bagalkot, the contest is a direct face-off between continuity and a seasoned challenger. Congress has fielded Umesh Meti, son of the late H.Y. Meti, banking on the family's deep roots in the Kuruba community. On the other hand, BJP has put forward Charantimath Veerabhadrayya, a former MLA with a strong local base, hoping to flip the seat back to the saffron fold.
Davanagere South: Tension and Tradition
Davanagere South has seen more than its fair share of drama. Samarth Mallikarjun, grandson of Shamanur Shivashankarappa, is the face of Congress here. He is also the son of S.S. Mallikarjun, Minister of Mines & Geology and Horticulture.
Beyond the BJP’s Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa, the Congress has had to navigate internal friction, including rebel candidates and demands from the minority community, which makes up a significant portion of the electorate. Aam Aadmi Party’s K.S. Shivakumarappa could make it a tricky contest.
