Davanagere (Karnataka), March 23 (NationPress) - The Congress candidate, Samarth Mallikarjun, officially submitted his nomination for the Davanagere South Assembly by-election on Monday, accompanied by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and other notable leaders. A grand procession marked their arrival in Davanagere city.

Siddaramaiah expressed confidence in the party's success, recalling previous by-elections where the Congress triumphed over the sons of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. He stated that the party is poised to achieve victory once again.

Speaking to the media post-nomination, he remarked: "The late Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who previously held this seat, significantly contributed to development as both a minister and an MP. It is customary for our party to nominate a family member in the event of a sitting legislator's passing, and we have adhered to this tradition in our decision-making."

He pointed out the Congress's success in all three recent Assembly by-elections, noting, "In Shiggaon, our candidate overcame the son of former Chief Minister Bommai, and in Channapatna, we defeated Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of H.D. Kumaraswamy. We are optimistic about our prospects in these upcoming by-elections as well," he added.

Addressing concerns about dissent within the party, particularly among minority leaders, Siddaramaiah stated: "We have unitedly decided in collaboration with minority leaders. We will address local leader Sadiq Pailwan's concerns and guarantee adequate representation for minorities. We are confident in our victory."

"This is a by-election. The late Shivashankarappa was elected six times, while his son, Minister S.S. Mallikarjun, has won twice. The Congress maintains a strong presence in the Davanagere South Assembly segment. We have endorsed Samarth as our candidate, and I was present for his nomination," he concluded.

Highlighting the party's inclusive approach, Siddaramaiah emphasized that the Congress stands for all societal segments. "We do not discriminate based on caste or religion. Our party encompasses individuals from various communities, including women, farmers, Dalits, backward classes, minorities, and laborers. The Congress is fundamentally committed to inclusive growth," he stated.

He reiterated the party's commitment to its promises, saying, "We deliver on our commitments. In our three years in power, we have fulfilled over half of our pledges. We have introduced our fourth budget, and the public can assess if we have met our promises."

The Chief Minister mentioned the effective implementation of the five guarantee schemes and noted that Davanagere district ranks first in ensuring these programs reach the populace.

Shivakumar, also the state Congress chief, remarked that the party has engaged all demographic groups. "Young candidate Samarth has studied abroad and aims to serve both rural and urban areas. He carries a clear vision. Initially, he intended to return abroad, but the late Shivashankarappa encouraged him to stay and serve here. Leaders from all communities support his candidacy. We will address minority community concerns regarding ticket allocation," he explained.

Meanwhile, Minister for Waqf and Housing Zameer Ahmad Khan mentioned in Bengaluru that he could not attend the event in Davanagere due to Assembly obligations.

"I will visit and camp there soon. We will ensure the Congress candidate's victory. The party has maintained its tradition of awarding the ticket to a family member of a deceased legislator. The leadership may consider nominating a minority candidate in the next Assembly elections," he concluded.