Karnataka Byelections Pose Crucial Test for Congress Party
Two assembly constituencies in Karnataka are heading for byelections soon. The Election Commission is expected to announce the poll dates for Davanagere South and Bagalkot in the coming days. These seats became vacant following the deaths of sitting Congress MLAs Shamanur Shivashankarappa and HY Meti.
For the ruling Congress party, these elections represent a significant challenge. The party must retain both segments to demonstrate its strength in the state. While the Bagalkot contest appears relatively straightforward, the Davanagere South seat is exposing deep internal divisions.
Complex Battle in Davanagere South
The Davanagere South constituency presents a particularly complex situation for Congress. Party leaders are engaged in heated debates over candidate selection. Two distinct factions have emerged with competing demands.
One section within the party is pushing for a candidate from the Shamanur family. They cite the emotional connection voters have with the late MLA Shivashankarappa, who represented the constituency for four consecutive terms. His legacy carries considerable sentimental value among supporters.
Another powerful group is advocating for a candidate from the Ahinda bloc. This coalition represents minorities, backward classes, and Dalits. Supporters of this approach point to compelling demographic data.
Demographic Realities Shape Political Calculations
The electoral mathematics in Davanagere South strongly favors the Ahinda argument. These communities together constitute nearly eighty percent of the constituency's 2.3 lakh voters.
- Muslim voters form the largest single bloc with approximately 60,000 electors
- Other Backward Classes include significant Kuruba (15,000) and Maratha (5,000) populations
- Scheduled Castes account for around 15,000 voters
- Scheduled Tribes represent about 8,000 electors
- Lingayats constitute roughly ten percent of the electorate
Congress MLC K Abdul Jabbar articulated the Ahinda perspective clearly. "Shivashankarappa was MLA of Davanagere South for four successive terms and we Ahinda communities unconditionally supported him, respecting his seniority," he stated. "Now, representatives of Ahinda communities are demanding that they be given a chance. While Muslims deserve the party ticket going by the numbers, we will be happy if a person from the Ahinda community is fielded as the Congress candidate."
Family Representation Versus Broader Inclusion
Those advocating for an Ahinda candidate have raised concerns about political concentration within the Shamanur family. The late MLA's son SS Mallikarjun currently represents Davanagere North and serves as horticulture minister. His wife Prabha Mallikarjun holds the Davanagere Lok Sabha seat.
Congress high command is carefully weighing all options. Senior party functionaries reveal that possible candidates include Mallikarjun's son Samarth Shamanur and Shivashankarappa's elder brother Bakkesh Shamanur.
AICC secretary Mayura Jayakumar visited Davanagere recently to assess the situation. District Congress president HB Manjappa explained the decision-making process. "The party high command will decide on the candidate based on winnability. It will take a call after Jayakumar submits a report," he said.
Contrasting Scenario in Bagalkot
The Bagalkot bypoll presents a markedly different picture for Congress. Party consensus is emerging around fielding Meti's daughter Bayakka Meti as their candidate. This relative unity contrasts sharply with the contentious debates in Davanagere South.
BJP Mobilizes for Both Constituencies
Meanwhile, the opposition BJP has intensified its preparations in both constituencies. The party has deployed senior leader and Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar to coordinate their campaign efforts.
Shettar expressed confidence about BJP's prospects. "I have met party functionaries and workers. BJP has a clear chance of winning both seats and candidates will be finalised after bypolls are announced," he stated.
These byelections will test Congress's organizational strength and its ability to manage internal differences. The party's candidate choices will reveal much about its political priorities and social coalition management. For BJP, these contests offer an opportunity to demonstrate renewed vigor ahead of future electoral battles.
