Bagalkot (Karnataka), April 2 (NationPress) The bye-election for the Bagalkot Assembly constituency has emerged as a significant political showdown, with both the ruling Congress and the BJP launching vigorous campaigns to claim victory.

The seat became vacant due to the passing of senior Congress MLA, H.Y. Meti, who was a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress has nominated his son, Umesh Meti, hoping to leverage public sympathy along with the Chief Minister’s robust campaigning efforts. Siddaramaiah has already conducted two days of campaigning and plans to continue for three more days to secure the seat.

On the flip side, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has established his presence in the constituency, with the party expressing optimism about tapping into perceived anti-incumbency feelings.

The main rivalry is between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP’s Veerabhadrayya Veeranna Chirantimath, who is contesting for the sixth time. Chirantimath has previously won the constituency in 2004, 2008, and 2018.

This constituency is home to approximately 2.59 lakh voters, with the Lingayat community representing a notable voting bloc of around 60,000, followed by Kurubas (approximately 40,000) and minorities (roughly 60,000). Dalits, OBCs, and other communities also have a significant presence across both urban and rural areas of the constituency.

Historically, the Congress has been dominant in this seat, winning it nine times since 1952, while the BJP has claimed it four times, and JD(S) has won it twice, with three victories for other candidates.

In an interview with IANS, senior BJP MLA Siddu Savadi, representing the Terdal constituency in Bagalkot district, argued that the BJP holds an edge in the bypoll. He criticized the current government's development record, claiming no Ashraya houses or major roads have been constructed, and dismissed any notion of a sympathy wave.

Savadi further accused the Congress of attempting to sway voters through financial means and threats regarding the withdrawal of welfare guarantees. He predicted that the BJP would achieve a lead of 15,000 votes in Bagalkot city, highlighting that a previous split in BJP votes, caused by Chirantimath’s brother contesting, had benefited the Congress.

He also contended that the recent stone-pelting incident during Shivaji Jayanti would be advantageous for the BJP and stated that even traditional Congress voters might lean towards the saffron party. According to him, internal reservation issues and feedback from grassroots support indicate a growing favor towards the BJP.

Countering these assertions, senior Congress MLA Vijayananda Kashappanavar from Bagalkot district expressed confidence that the Congress would hold the seat with a comfortable margin. He noted that Chirantimath’s brother has now joined the Congress, which he believes will benefit their campaign.

Kashappanavar credited the late H.Y. Meti for securing approval for a medical college in 2017 and accused the BJP of stalling the project from 2019 to 2023 due to personal interests.

He also raised concerns about compensation for farmers impacted by the Alamatti dam height increase, alleging that the BJP failed to act despite being in power. He mentioned that the Congress government has allocated Rs 8,000 crore and set compensation at Rs 30 lakh per acre for dry land and Rs 40 lakh for wet land after discussions with farmers.

BJP spokesperson Satyanarayana Hemadri, however, asserted that the political climate is favorable for the BJP. He referenced comments from some Congress MLAs criticizing the government’s performance and claimed that development has been hindered by floods and the Covid pandemic during the BJP’s tenure.

Hemadri alleged that Chirantimath had secured Rs 6,000 crore for development and accused the Congress of failing to fulfill compensation promises for Alamatti project-affected farmers, claiming that only Rs 3,000 crore had been disbursed against much larger promises.

Congress MLA Thimmapur Ramappa Balappa from Mudhol in Bagalkot district reiterated confidence in the party's bye-election victory, citing the Chief Minister’s popularity, H.Y. Meti’s legacy, and the influence of welfare guarantees.

He dismissed the BJP’s assertions regarding internal reservation and communal tensions, claiming that minority, SC, and Kuruba voters would predominantly support the Congress. He also criticized Chirantimath’s public image, alleging he has a negative disposition towards the populace.

The Congress's decision to nominate Umesh Meti followed internal discussions, with other family members of the late H.Y. Meti, including his daughters, also showing interest in contesting.

Ultimately, nine candidates remain in the race after five aspirants withdrew their nominations.

Senior Congress leader and PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi is actively managing campaign efforts for the party, while the BJP has mobilized its organizational network, including vistaraks and Swayam Sevaks, to enhance outreach.

As both parties intensify their campaigns and exchange sharp accusations, the Bagalkot bye-election is poised to be a closely monitored political contest in Karnataka.