Karnataka Bypoll Battle: BJP vs Congress Intensifies in Bagalkot Seat

The seat fell vacant following the death of senior Congress MLA, H.Y. Meti, a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress has fielded his son, Umesh Meti, banking on sympathy and the Chief Minister's extensive campaigning. Siddaramaiah has already completed two days of campaigning and is scheduled to continue for three more days in a bid to retain the seat.

On the other hand, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has been camping in the constituency, with the party expressing confidence of capitalising on alleged anti-incumbency sentiments.

The main contest is between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP's Veerabhadrayya Veeranna Chirantimath, who is contesting the seat for the sixth consecutive time. Chirantimath has previously won the constituency in 2004, 2008 and 2018.

The constituency has around 2.59 lakh voters, with the Lingayat community forming a significant voting bloc of about 60,000, followed by Kurubas (around 40,000) and minorities (around 60,000). Dalits, OBCs and other communities also hold a considerable presence across both urban and rural parts of the constituency.

Historically, the Congress has dominated the seat, winning it nine times since 1952. The BJP has secured it four times, while JD(S) has won twice and other candidates have won on three occasions.

Talking to IANS, senior BJP MLA Siddu Savadi, representing the Terdal constituency in Bagalkot district, claimed that the BJP holds an advantage in the bypoll. He alleged lack of development under the present government, stating that no Ashraya houses or major roads have been built, and dismissed the possibility of a sympathy wave.

Savadi also accused the Congress of attempting to influence voters through money and by threatening withdrawal of welfare guarantees. He claimed that the BJP would secure a lead of 15,000 votes in Bagalkot city and pointed out that in the previous election, a split in BJP votes due to Chirantimath's brother contesting had benefited the Congress.

He further asserted that the stone-pelting incident during Shivaji Jayanti would work in the BJP's favour and claimed that even traditional Congress voters may shift towards the saffron party. According to him, internal reservation issues and grassroots feedback indicate growing support for the party.

Countering these claims, senior Congress MLA Vijayananda Kashappanavar from Bagalkot district expressed confidence that the Congress would retain the seat with a comfortable margin. He said that Chirantimath's brother has now joined the Congress, which would work to the party's advantage.

Kashappanavar credited late H.Y. Meti for securing approval for a medical college in 2017 and accused the BJP of delaying the project during its tenure from 2019 to 2023. He alleged that Chirantimath stalled the project due to personal interests.

He also raised the issue of compensation for farmers affected by the Alamatti dam height increase, alleging that the BJP failed to act despite being in power. He said the Congress government has released Rs 8,000 crore and finalised compensation at Rs 30 lakh per acre for dry land and Rs 40 lakh for wet land after consulting farmers.

BJP spokesperson Satyanarayana Hemadri, however, maintained that the political environment is favourable for the BJP. He cited statements from some Congress MLAs criticising the government's performance and argued that development had been hindered by floods and the Covid pandemic during the BJP's tenure.

Hemadri claimed that Chirantimath had brought in Rs 6,000 crore for development and accused the Congress of failing to deliver promised compensation for Alamatti project-affected farmers. He alleged that only Rs 3,000 crore has been disbursed against much higher promises.

Congress MLA Thimmapur Ramappa Balappa of Mudhol in Bagalkot district reiterated that the party would win the bye-election, citing the Chief Minister's popularity, the legacy of H.Y. Meti, and the impact of welfare guarantees.

He dismissed the BJP's claims regarding internal reservation and communal tensions, stating that minority, SC and Kuruba voters would largely support the Congress. He also criticised Chirantimath's public image, alleging he has a negative attitude towards the people.

The Congress decision to field Umesh Meti came after internal deliberations, as other family members of late H.Y. Meti, including daughters, had also expressed interest in contesting.

In total, nine candidates remain in the fray after five aspirants withdrew their nominations.

Senior Congress leader and PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi is actively coordinating campaign efforts for the party, while the BJP has deployed its organisational network, including vistaraks and Swayam Sevaks, to strengthen its outreach.

With both parties intensifying their campaigns and trading sharp accusations, the Bagalkot bye-election is shaping up to be a closely watched political battle in Karnataka.

- IANS