Davanagere, April 7
Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President D.K. Shivakumar said that campaigning in the bye-election constituencies of Bagalkot and Davanagere South has been conducted peacefully so far, and congratulated all political parties for maintaining decorum.
Speaking to reporters in Davanagere on Tuesday, he said government officials have extended full cooperation in ensuring smooth conduct of the elections.
He added that both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah participated in the nomination filing of party candidates in both constituencies and extended their support.
Shivakumar said the Congress followed its tradition of consulting all stakeholders before fielding new faces as candidates.
He noted that in Davanagere South, there were initial attempts by some individuals and sections of the media to create confusion, but several leaders later withdrew from the race and strengthened the party.
He expressed gratitude to leaders who extended their support.
Highlighting development works, Shivakumar said the constituency has witnessed better infrastructure progress compared to Bengaluru, particularly in terms of concrete roads, parks, and lake cleanliness.
He lauded senior leader late Shamanur Shivashankarappa for his contributions, stating that even at the age of 95, he worked inclusively for all sections of society and played a key role in the region's development.
He also acknowledged contributions by Mallikarjun.
Citing internal survey findings, Shivakumar claimed that more than 70 per cent of voters in the constituency are inclined to support the Congress candidate.
He said the survey covered over one lakh people.
According to him, Shivashankarappa's family has consistently contributed to the constituency in areas such as health, education, religion, and social welfare, including distributing free vaccines during the COVID period.
He further said that feedback from traders and minority communities indicated that the constituency has remained peaceful under Shivashankarappa's leadership, with no major incidents or exploitation.
He described this as a source of strength for the party and emphasised the need for youth and the new generation to contribute ideas for further development.
Shivakumar also stated that party leaders collectively decided to field a young, educated, and capable candidate.
He added that although the candidate's mother (Prabha Mallikarjun) was initially reluctant to contest, she was persuaded by the party and went on to win, and is now performing effectively in Parliament.
He said Shivashankarappa also built free community halls for the poor and described being remembered as a generous donor by the people as a rare distinction.
He expressed confidence that the party's candidate would continue this legacy.
- IANS
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