Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara expressed certainty that the Congress party will emerge victorious in the upcoming bypolls for two Assembly constituencies. Despite lower voter turnout in Davanagere South and Bagalkot, Parameshwara remains optimistic about the party’s success. He highlighted the difference in turnout patterns between general elections and bypolls, emphasizing the party’s favorable outcome.
The voting process for the bypolls in Karnataka concluded peacefully, with both Bagalkot and Davanagere South recording over 68% voter turnout. In Davanagere, the Congress candidate is Samarth Mallikarjun, while the BJP has nominated Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa and Afsar Kodlipet is contesting for the Social Democratic Party of India. In Bagalkot, Umesh Meti from Congress is up against the BJP’s Veranna Charantimath.
Parameshwara also addressed the issue of internal reservation, indicating that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will make the final decision. He assured that the matter would be discussed in either a regular cabinet meeting or a special session to prevent any community from facing injustice. Additionally, he dismissed rumors about “zombie drugs,” clarifying that the claims were baseless and that no criminal case has been registered in connection with the incident.
Regarding the reported LPG gas shortage, the Home Minister mentioned that the state government has contacted the concerned department and written to the Centre for supply allocations. He expressed optimism that the situation would improve soon, citing potential developments like a ceasefire and increased ship movements in the Gulf region, which could aid in restoring gas supplies to India.
