Bengaluru, March 27 (NationPress) The Congress party, currently in power in Karnataka, is confronting internal dissent from its own members within the Davanagere South Assembly constituency, a territory historically dominated by the party and represented by the late veteran leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa since its inception in 2008. Sources within the Congress indicate that if the leadership does not address the grievances of the dissenting members, the BJP may achieve its first victory in this constituency.

This election is pivotal for both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds the position of State Congress President.

The Congress has nominated the youthful Samarth Mallikarjun, who is the grandson of the late Shamanur Shivashankarappa. In contrast, the BJP has selected grassroots leader Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa, who comes from an underprivileged background.

Criticism has arisen against the Congress from the Muslim community and progressive factions due to their choice of a candidate from a political family. D.K. Shivakumar has defended this decision, asserting that Samarth is well-educated abroad and possesses a visionary outlook. Additionally, he mentioned that Samarth’s mother, Prabha Mallikarjun, a Lok Sabha member representing Davanagere, was encouraged by the party to run for elections, thereby becoming a valuable asset.

Samarth's father, S.S. Mallikarjun, currently serves as the Minister for Mines and Geology and Horticulture in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Cabinet.

On the other hand, BJP candidate Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa has expressed that only the BJP can offer opportunities to individuals from humble beginnings. Known for his leadership capabilities, he has maintained strong relationships across various communities and is viewed as a potential dark horse capable of securing a win for the BJP in this constituency for the first time.

However, there are speculations suggesting that BJP state leaders have positioned Srinivas to indirectly favor the Shamanur family, an allegation that BJP officials have dismissed.

The Muslim community comprises a significant portion of the electorate, totaling over 64,000 voters, while Lingayat voters account for approximately 37,000, Scheduled Castes around 29,000, Scheduled Tribes about 31,000, Kurubas 16,000, Marathas 14,000, Uppar community 8,000, Jains 5,386, and others roughly 23,000.

The influence of AHINDA (which includes minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) has historically secured victories for the Congress in this constituency. Late Shamanur Shivashankarappa, a Lingayat leader, also consolidated Lingayat votes, facilitating Congress's success.

In the 2018 Assembly elections, the BJP achieved its highest tally in this constituency with 55,485 votes.

Attempts by the Congress delegation to persuade rebel candidate Sadiq Pylwan to retract his nomination have been unsuccessful. Although Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan has announced plans to remain in Davanagere to secure the party’s win, his absence from the delegation aimed at convincing Pylwan was notable.

Local political figures indicate that many in the Muslim community fear that a victory for Samarth Shamanur could preclude future opportunities for them to contest elections under the Congress banner, despite being the largest voter demographic. Some community leaders have openly voiced concerns that they may feel exploited and could shift their votes to the BJP as a form of protest.

A total of 25 candidates are contesting, with nearly half belonging to the Muslim community. The Congress is apprehensive that a division of Muslim votes could lead to a BJP victory. Given the strong presence of marginalized communities, the BJP has nominated a Scheduled Tribe candidate in a general constituency.

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has also entered candidates into the race, including senior leader Afsar Kodlipet, aiming to leverage the current political dynamics.

Senior MLA B.P. Harish, who won the sole BJP seat (Harihara) in Davanagere district during the 2023 Assembly elections, remarked to IANS, “BJP leaders are collaborating effectively. Congress members are contesting the dominance of a single family and have become reticent. The BJP is poised to win this seat.”

When inquired about internal conflicts within BJP ranks, he stated, “This will not affect Davanagere South. While there may be issues in Honnali, Mayakonda, and Channagiri, here the leaders are united under the guidance of senior leader G.M. Siddeshwar. We are confident about winning.”

KPCC General Secretary (ST Cell), Keerthi Kumar, informed IANS, “The nomination withdrawal period ended on March 26. From now on, public sentiment will start to crystallize. Currently, the scenario appears favorable for the Congress. There is no cohesion among Muslim voters, and internal conflicts exist. Rebel candidate Sadiq Pylwan will not secure all Muslim votes.”

MLA Devendrappa commented, “If Muslim votes are fragmented, Congress remains optimistic about regaining support through Lingayat votes, as our candidate belongs to that community. In the last election, the BJP fielded Ajay Kumar, also a Lingayat. There is dissent within the BJP too. Srinivas is contesting his first election, while the Shamanur family has navigated elections for four decades with established organizational teams. The environment is advantageous for the Congress.”

Congress MLA from Jagalur, B. Devendrappa, stated, “Historically, Congress has depended on Muslim votes. A significant rebel candidate remains, and even independent candidates who can gather 500 votes must be acknowledged. Presently, Congress is likely to win comfortably with support from marginalized groups and recognizing the developmental efforts by the late Shamanur Shivashankarappa. However, I will visit Davanagere on Saturday for a more detailed assessment.”

SDPI candidate Afsar Pasha noted, “The internal disagreements within Congress have unexpectedly benefited me. I am garnering additional votes from unexpected sources. I recognize that I cannot secure victory solely with Muslim votes; I require support from AHINDA. There are approximately 29,000 Dalit voters in this constituency. I am reminding people of my padyatras across ten districts advocating for AHINDA issues.”

He added, “Davanagere is recognized as a Sufi region. I have been engaged in public movements for three decades. My candidacy has been well-received by the populace. Besides party members, volunteers are stepping up to ensure success. I do not claim overconfidence. Our focus is on booth management and engaging women voters. For decades, social injustices have persisted, and the community has suffered. The constituency lacks degree or engineering colleges due to an education mafia. The people will support me.”