Karnataka Braces for High-Stakes By-Elections: A Political Showdown Awaits
Karnataka is gearing up for a political showdown as the Election Commission of India has announced that by-elections will take place on November 13 in three crucial assembly constituencies: Channapatna, Shiggaon, and Sandur. With the stakes high, this contest is set to test the mettle of key political figures, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, as they navigate a landscape filled with rivalries, internal party dynamics, and the ever-watchful eyes of the electorate.
Siddaramaiah’s Rallying Cry Against the BJP
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah kicked off the campaign with a rally in Sandur, where he didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He accused the opposition of engaging in “conspiracies and smear campaigns” aimed at undermining his government. “People should defeat that party in the bypolls,” he urged, rallying support for the Congress party. A strong performance in these by-elections could bolster Siddaramaiah’s image, especially as he faces scrutiny over ongoing investigations related to the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and irregularities in the Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. However, a poor showing could further complicate his political standing.
DK Shivakumar’s Leadership Test in Channapatna
The contest in Channapatna is particularly significant for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is eager to reclaim his political influence in the region. After his brother DK Suresh’s defeat in the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha seat earlier this year, Shivakumar is determined to assert his leadership by winning back the Channapatna seat, previously held by his rival, HD Kumaraswamy. He has been proactive, visiting the constituency multiple times and announcing various development projects. “We will do our job. From tomorrow, we will take it up,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election. While Congress has yet to announce its candidate, speculation is rife that Suresh’s name might be in the running.
Kumaraswamy and the BJP’s Internal Struggles
For HD Kumaraswamy, retaining Channapatna is equally critical. His son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, is being considered as a potential candidate, while the BJP is also eyeing the seat, with MLC CP Yogeshwar lobbying for the nomination. However, internal disagreements within both the BJP and JD(S) regarding candidate selection could present a golden opportunity for Congress. A JD(S) spokesperson noted, “We are certain that the BJP will agree that considering our popularity among the Vokkaliga community, our candidate will have a better chance.”
When asked about the candidate selection for Channapatna, BJP leader Vijayendra mentioned that the decision is still pending, with national party leaders set to weigh in on CP Yogeshwar’s candidacy.
Opposition’s Strategy: Highlighting Congress’s Alleged Failures
As the by-elections approach, the BJP and JD(S) are ramping up their criticism of the Congress government. Opposition leaders are focusing on alleged irregularities, including the MUDA case and the ST development corporation controversy. CP Yogeshwar articulated the opposition’s strategy, stating, “We will highlight the failures of the Congress government during the campaign and let the people decide.”
Shiggaon and Sandur: Key Battlegrounds
In Shiggaon, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is looking to retain his seat for the BJP, with his son Bharath Bommai being floated as a potential candidate, though the party has yet to finalize its choice. Meanwhile, in Sandur, the contest is shaping up to be a direct face-off between Congress and BJP. The Congress party is expected to field either Annapoorneshwari or Sowparnika, the wife or daughter of outgoing MLA E Thukaram, who resigned after being elected to the Lok Sabha.
Siddaramaiah’s Confidence in Congress’s Preparedness
Siddaramaiah expressed confidence in the Congress party’s readiness for the by-elections, stating, “We are ready to face the by-elections and have made all the preparations. We will contest it.” With the political landscape heating up, all eyes will be on Karnataka as the November 13 by-elections approach, promising a thrilling contest that could reshape the state’s political dynamics.
