Karnataka Bypolls: Sadiq Pylwan Withdraws, Siddaramaiah Optimistic About Congress Victory
Synopsis
In a notable political shift, Sadiq Pylwan has withdrawn his independent candidacy for the Davanagere by-election, allowing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to express optimism for Congress's success in both Davanagere and Bagalkot.
Key Takeaways
Sadiq Pylwan withdraws his independent candidacy for the Davanagere by-election.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expresses strong confidence in the Congress's electoral prospects.
Significant political figures are rallying behind the Congress party.
The party is focusing on a united front against the Bharatiya Janata Party .
The influence of the Muslim voter base in Davanagere is critical for the elections.
Bengaluru, March 27 (NationPress) After the exit of Sadiq Pylwan, who had entered the race as an independent candidate for the Davanagere by-election, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah voiced his assurance that the Congress party is set to clinch victories in both Davanagere and Bagalkot bypolls.
This statement was made during a press briefing at the Congress headquarters on Queen’s Road last Friday.
Sadiq previously filed his nomination for the Davanagere South constituency, challenging Samarth Mallikarjun, the grandson of the late veteran Congress figure, Shamanur Shivashankarappa.
His father, S.S. Mallikarjun, holds the position of Minister for Mining, Geology, and Horticulture, while his mother, Prabha Mallikarjun, serves as a Lok Sabha representative for the Davanagere Parliamentary seat.
The Chief Minister remarked that he has known Sadiq for many years, having met him at wrestling matches in Mysuru, and emphasized that there is nothing inappropriate about having aspirations for candidacy.
He also mentioned that 11 candidates had withdrawn their nominations the previous day. Expressing gratitude to Sadiq, he noted that the independent candidate stepped aside at the party's request.
MLA Rizwan Arshad, Legislative Council Chief Whip Saleem Ahmad, and the Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Nazeer Ahmad had traveled to Davanagere but arrived too late to prevent the nomination submission.
Siddaramaiah stated he couldn't personally attend due to a commitment in the Legislative Council.
He acknowledged that Sadiq has been a dedicated member of the Congress for nearly 40 years, demonstrating loyalty and commitment to the party.
Highlighting the significant Muslim voter base in Davanagere, he noted that Pylwan was a contender for the nomination. Ultimately, the high command allocated the ticket to Samarth, following the party's tradition of favoring relatives of deceased leaders.
At the press conference, Sadiq Pylwan announced: “I am stepping back from the race for the Davanagere South Assembly seat. From now on, I will dedicate my efforts to ensure the success of the Congress party. Voters from all communities will support our candidate, and we will secure his place in the Vidhana Soudha.”
“I am aligned with the Congress party and will work towards its triumph. I do not want the Bharatiya Janata Party to gain any advantage. This decision comes after discussions with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar confirmed that Sadiq's withdrawal was unconditional.
In a statement to the media following the press event, Shivakumar said, “Sadiq Pylwan is now focused on defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party. No promises have been made to him, and the Congress party will respect his integrity. Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan is currently engaged in election activities in Kerala and will return to campaign. There are no internal conflicts.”
Meanwhile, the Congress party has released its lineup of star campaigners for the by-elections, which includes All India Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with 40 other influential leaders.
Point of View
The party appears to solidify its strategy for the upcoming bypolls. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's confidence reflects a calculated approach, considering the party's historical ties and voter demographics.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sadiq Pylwan withdraw from the by-election?
Sadiq Pylwan withdrew from the contest at the request of the Congress party to ensure a united front against the Bharatiya Janata Party.
What did Siddaramaiah say about the bypolls?
Siddaramaiah expressed confidence that the Congress party will win the bypolls in both Davanagere and Bagalkot.
Who is Samarth Mallikarjun?
Samarth Mallikarjun is the grandson of the late Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa and is contesting for the Davanagere South seat.
What is the significance of the Muslim voter base in Davanagere?
The Muslim voter base is significant in Davanagere, with around 70,000 voters, which could influence the election outcome.
Who are the star campaigners for the Congress party in the bypolls?
The Congress party has announced star campaigners including Mallikarjun Kharge, Randeep Singh Surjewala, and Siddaramaiah, among others.
