Bengaluru, March 19 (NationPress) — On the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, the BJP has unveiled its candidates for the upcoming by-elections in the Bagalkote and Davanagere South Assembly constituencies, paving the way for an intense political showdown as polling approaches on April 9.

In Bagalkote, the party has nominated seasoned leader Veeranna Charantimath, leveraging his robust backing from the influential Lingayat community in the area. This by-election was triggered by the passing of former MLA H.Y. Meti. In the wake of this loss, the Congress party has struggled with internal discord concerning its candidate selection. By announcing its nominee promptly, the BJP aims to seize an early advantage and intensify the electoral conflict.

For Davanagere South, the BJP has selected Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa to represent the party, focusing on appealing to the Valmiki (ST) community. This decision is viewed as a tactical move to unify Scheduled Tribe votes, deemed vital in this constituency. The seat became vacant after the demise of senior Congress figure Shamanur Shivashankarappa, and the Congress party is still in the process of determining its candidate amid ongoing disputes.

The Congress faces the challenge of balancing numerous aspirants, with multiple leaders showing interest in running for the position.

Traditionally a Congress bastion, Davanagere South is anticipated to see a fierce rivalry between the two leading parties. The BJP’s choice of Srinivas Dasakariyappa is seen as a strategic maneuver to maintain social and caste dynamics in the region.

Meanwhile, the Congress continues to grapple with internal divisions in both constituencies.

In Davanagere, Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan has insisted that a candidate from the Muslim community be granted the ticket, while Minister for Mines and Geology S.S. Mallikarjun has resisted this demand, reportedly advocating for his son’s candidacy. Party leaders have convened in an effort to resolve these conflicts, yet no consensus has been reached, leading to a heated exchange between the two ministers.

Leaders within the Muslim community have cautioned that they represent a substantial voter base of approximately 85,000, and a failure to nominate a candidate from their community may result in consequences for the Congress.

In Bagalkote, the party faces competing claims from H.Y. Meti’s family members, all vying for the party’s nomination, further complicating the selection process. Caste dynamics have also influenced the challenges faced by the Congress in finalizing a candidate. Local Congress leaders Veena Kashappanavar and Rakshita Eiti have also declared that if the ticket is not awarded to Meti’s family, it should be given to them.

The BJP’s candidate announcements signal an early launch of its campaign efforts. With both parties strategizing based on caste and community considerations, the by-elections are likely to feature vigorous campaigning and closely contested battles in the weeks leading up to the vote.

A BJP state core committee meeting was conducted on March 13 to deliberate on candidates and election strategies for the two Assembly seats. The meeting, presided over by the party’s state president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, included notable attendees such as Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Karnataka BJP in-charge and National General Secretary Dr. Radha Mohan Das Agarwal, former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai, and Assembly Opposition Leader R. Ashoka.

Vijayendra expressed confidence that the BJP would secure victories in both constituencies, suggesting that the results of these by-elections could signify a pivotal moment in state politics.