The BJP has revealed its candidates for the by-elections in Bagalkote and Davanagere South Assembly constituencies on Ugadi. In Bagalkote, Veeranna Charantimath will represent the party, aiming to leverage his support among Lingayat voters. This by-election follows the passing of former MLA H.Y. Meti, causing internal strife within the Congress over candidate selection.
Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa has been selected by the BJP for Davanagere South, focusing on Valmiki (ST) community representation. The move is strategic to secure Scheduled Tribe votes crucial in the region. Davanagere South, a traditional Congress stronghold, is anticipated to witness a fierce contest between the BJP and Congress.
The Congress party faces challenges managing multiple aspirants vying for candidacy in both constituencies. In Davanagere, Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan advocates for a Muslim candidate, while Minister S.S. Mallikarjun pushes for his son’s nomination, leading to internal discord. Leaders from the Muslim community emphasize their significant voter base and threaten consequences if not represented.
In Bagalkote, conflicting claims from H.Y. Meti’s family members complicate candidate selection for the BJP. The party grapples with caste considerations and pressure from local leaders for ticket allocation. Both parties are gearing up for intense campaigning along caste and community lines in the upcoming by-elections.
A BJP state core committee meeting on March 13, chaired by state president B.Y. Vijayendra, discussed candidate selection and election strategies. The meeting, attended by key BJP figures, emphasized confidence in winning both seats and anticipated a pivotal moment in state politics with the by-election results.
