Davanagere/Bagalkot, March 23 (NationPress) BJP candidates Srinivas Dasakariyappa and Veeranna Charantimath submitted their nominations on Monday for the Davanagere South and Bagalkot Assembly bypolls, respectively, following significant processions in both Davanagere and Bagalkot cities.

In attendance during the processions were notable figures such as former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra, along with other key leaders.

BJP candidate Srinivas Dasakariyappa officially filed his nomination for the Davanagere South Assembly constituency.

During the event, Central Parliamentary Board member and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, along with former Union ministers G.M. Siddeshwar and A. Narayanaswamy, former National General Secretary and MLC C.T. Ravi, former Ministers M.P. Renukacharya, K. Shivanagouda Naik, ST Morcha State President Bangaru Hanumanthu, District President N. Rajashekar, and numerous party leaders and workers gathered.

The candidate led a large procession, with supporters chanting slogans, creating a celebratory atmosphere among the party members.

Srinivas Kariyappa, accompanied by his wife and fellow BJP leaders, filed his nomination amidst a grand procession that originated from the Durgambika Temple, featuring participation from several leaders, including former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

After filing his nomination, the BJP candidate expressed confidence in a transformative change within the Davanagere South constituency this election. “The son of a hamali (porter) will undoubtedly make his way into the state Assembly,” he declared.

Srinivas Kariyappa emphasized that his sole rival is the Congress party, expressing optimism for a victory. “We are hopeful this time. BJP will win,” he stated.

He also mentioned that both party workers and the public are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to vote for the BJP. Addressing the internal conflicts within the Congress, he opted not to comment further.

Meanwhile, BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath filed his nomination for the Bagalkot Assembly seat on the same day.

A procession took place in Bagalkot where at Basaveshwara Circle, State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra honored the statue of Basavanna alongside the candidate and other leaders.

Notable figures present included Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, former Deputy Chief Minister and MP Govind Karjol, former Chief Minister and MP Jagadish Shettar, MP P.C. Gaddigoudar, Rajya Sabha member Narayansa K. Bhandage, and several other party leaders and workers.

Party supporters enthusiastically raised slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Victory to Veeranna Charantimath,” and “Victory to BJP” during the celebrations.

While leading a grand roadshow prior to the nomination of BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath for the Bagalkot Assembly by-election, State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for failing to provide adequate development funds for Bagalkot, despite receiving a “political rebirth” from the district's people.

Vijayendra highlighted the minimal development efforts made by Siddaramaiah in the constituency, urging residents to compare the funding received by Bagalkot under former Chief Ministers B.S. Yediyurappa, Jagadish Shettar, and Basavaraj Bommai.

He expressed strong confidence in the Congress party experiencing a significant defeat in the by-election. “No one can halt this momentum. The informed voters of Bagalkot have already made their decisions. They may have erred previously, but they will not repeat it. BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath is set to win by a substantial margin,” he asserted.

Vijayendra emphasized that the party's primary aim is to collectively ensure the victory of its candidate. “Bagalkot is a BJP stronghold. The lotus must bloom here once again. Party members will strive toward this objective. We are confident that Charantimath will secure a victory by a margin of 25,000 votes,” he added.

In targeting the Congress government, he claimed that Hindus in the state are restricted from celebrating festivals openly. “In Bagalkot, even peaceful processions during Shivaji Jayanti were prohibited. This is an anti-Hindu Congress government that needs to be removed,” he stated.

He also remarked that the BJP does not support caste divisions while accusing the Congress of misappropriating funds meant for Dalits and excessively spending to sway voters. “Do not condone such practices. Let us unite to ensure the lotus blooms and strive for an historic victory for Charantimath,” he urged.