Bengaluru, March 22 (NationPress) Addressing the internal divisions, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D. K. Shivakumar announced on Sunday that the by-election candidates have been chosen through a consensus-based approach.

While speaking to the press at his home in Bengaluru, he revealed that the Bagalkote Assembly nomination has been awarded to Umesh Meti, the younger son of the late H. Y. Meti, and that Samarth Mallikarjuna, the grandson of Shamanur Shivashankarappa, will be contesting from Davanagere South.

Shivakumar stated, “The Chief Minister, along with leaders such as Minister Zameer Ahmad, Naseer Hussain, Saleem Ahmad, N.A. Harris, and others, including myself, had a thorough discussion with the AICC Secretary, which led to a unanimous decision to extend an opportunity to the Shamanur family. We are committed to competing as a united front to secure victories in both constituencies.”

“The B-Form has been presented to the father of the candidate, S. S. Mallikarjuna, who serves as the Minister for Mining, Geology, and Horticulture. On Monday, both the Chief Minister and I will travel to Davanagere and Bagalkote to partake in the nomination filing ceremony. Speculations surrounding ticket distribution in the media have now been addressed. The high command conveyed their decision late last night,” he elaborated.

In response to inquiries about the satisfaction level of the minority community, which had strongly advocated for a ticket in Davanagere South, he commented: “There is no harm in requesting a ticket. Their requests stem from population considerations — they are justified.”

“Minister Mallikarjuna mentioned that he submitted his nomination on an auspicious day. Just as we possess faith, so do they. He has indicated that he would step aside if the party requests it. Samarth's mother, Congress MP Prabha Mallikarjuna, was initially resistant to contesting for the parliamentary seat — she was convinced to do so. Originally, Mallikarjuna was also hesitant. He is now evolving into a valuable asset for the party,” he continued.

When asked whether any demands had been made by the minority community, he replied: “They do make requests. Mallikarjuna is dedicated to whatever the party dictates. So am I. If instructed not to run from Kanakapura, I will comply.”

On whether the confusion within the minority community had been alleviated, he said: “Aspiring for a ticket is not inappropriate. Personally, I wished to allocate the Bagalkote seat to Mallikarjuna from the Meti family. Another daughter, a Zilla Panchayat member, also sought a ticket. In total, four individuals from the same family expressed interest. When there is desire within a family, others will naturally share that desire. Numerous names were discussed for Bagalkote as well.”

Regarding JD(S) fielding minority candidates, he remarked: “I am aware of the ongoing efforts. In politics, divisions are often created, and we are no exception. Do they have consensus among themselves? Because two individuals disagreed, a third person was granted the ticket. Why should I comment on that? That is their party's choice; this is ours.”

When queried about the strength of the opposition candidates, he asserted: “Our candidates are our own, and theirs are theirs. I will not engage in discussions about other parties’ choices. They can field whoever they prefer.”

“The contributions and development initiatives led by the late Shivashankarappa for Davanagere are commendable. I believe Davanagere is superior to Bengaluru; I have experienced it firsthand. He facilitated access to drinking water, constructed homes for the underprivileged, and established educational institutions.

His service spans over 40 years. The Shamanur family has been a steadfast supporter of the Congress party from the very beginning,” he remarked.

When asked about grievances regarding Shivashankarappa's promise to allocate the ticket to the Muslim community, he stated: “They may have conveyed that grievance to you, but not to us. That is the reason we appointed Jabbar as an MLC three times.

The same Shivashankarappa appointed Jabbar an MLC during both S. M. Krishna’s and Siddaramaiah’s tenures. Alternative arrangements are made periodically. We assigned the Council seat to Saleem from Dharwad instead of Mane — wasn’t that an alternative arrangement?” he questioned.