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Congress Fields Sons of Late Leaders in Karnataka Bye-Elections

The Congress party has announced Umesh Meti and Samarth Mallikarjun as its candidates for the upcoming bye-elections in Karnataka's Bagalkot and Davanagere South constituencies. Both candidates are the sons of late legislators whose deaths created the vacancies. They will face BJP candidates Viranna Charantimath and Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa, respectively. The polls are part of a series of bye-elections across several states scheduled for April 9, with vote counting on May 4.

Key Points: Congress Candidates for Karnataka Bye-Elections Announced

  • Congress names candidates for Karnataka bye-polls
  • Sons of late legislators given tickets
  • Polling scheduled for April 9 across four states
  • BJP fields rivals in both constituencies
2 min read

Congress fields Umesh Meti, Samarth Mallikarjun for Karnataka bye-elections

Congress nominates Umesh Meti and Samarth Mallikarjun for Bagalkot and Davanagere South bye-elections. Polling on April 9, results May 4.

"I am definitely confident because I'm here with all our Youth Congress workers - Samarth Mallikarjun"

Bengaluru, March 22

Congress on Sunday named Umesh Meti and Samarth Mallikarjun as the party's candidates for the bye-elections to Karnataka's Bagalkot and Davanagere South constituencies, respectively.

Umesh Meti is the son of late Congress leader Meti Hullappa Yamanappa (HY Meti), who represented the Bagalkot seat, while Samarth Mallikarjun is the son of Karnataka Minister SS Mallikarjun.

The Bagalkot seat fell vacant after the death of HY Meti and Davanagere South, following the death of Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

Vacant assembly constituencies in Karnataka, along with Goa, Nagaland and Tripura, will hold polling on April 9, with the counting of votes on May 4.

On Saturday, Karnataka State in-charge and AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar held a meeting to discuss the Davangere bye-election, after which Samarth Mallikarjun's name was finalised.

Ministers Mallikarjuna, Zameer Ahmed, Bairati Suresh, MP Naseer Hussain, Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed, MLAs Harris, Rizwan Harshad, State In-charge AICC Secretary Abhishek Dutt, and Gopinathan were also present in the meeting.

His father, SS Mallikarjun, collected the B form from the state party chief and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar.

Samarth Mallikarjun had filed his nomination for the bypoll on Friday, when he told reporters, "I am definitely confident because I'm here with all our Youth Congress workers, who are like my brothers, along with all Congress workers."

The Congress leaders will be up against BJP candidates Viranna Charantimath, contesting for the Bagalkot seat and Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa, for the Davanagere South constituency.

Earlier on Saturday, Congress announced T Chalukumba AO as the party candidate for the Koridang seat bye-election in Nagaland.

"The Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the candidature of T Chalukumba AO as Congress party candidate for the ensuing bye-election to the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland from 28 Koridang-ST Constituency," the All India Congress Committee said in a statement.

The Koridang (ST) seat in Nagaland became vacant after the death of veteran BJP leader Imkong L Imchen.

T Chalukumba AO, who contested the 2023 Nagaland Assembly elections on a Janata Dal (United) ticket, will be contesting the bye-election against the late BJP leader's son Daochier I Imchen.

The first phase of polling for bypolls in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura will be held on April 9, while the second phase in Gujarat and Maharashtra will take place on April 23. Counting of votes for all constituencies is scheduled for May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
At least they are fielding local candidates who understand the constituency's issues. In Bagalkot, Umesh Meti has his father's legacy and connection with the people. That counts for something. Hope he delivers on development.
S
Siddharth J
The real fight in Karnataka will be interesting! BJP has strong roots there. Congress needs to focus on local issues like water, roads, and jobs, not just rely on family names. All the best to both candidates 👍
A
Aditya G
Good to see the party machinery working together for the bypolls. The meeting with Surjewala, CM, and DK Shivakumar shows they are taking it seriously. Unity is key for Congress to win these seats.
N
Nisha Z
It's a bit disappointing that even in Nagaland, it's a contest between the son of a late BJP leader and a candidate who just switched parties. Where is the choice for common voters who want genuine representatives?
K
Karthik V
April 9 polling date is coming soon! Hope the EC ensures free and fair elections. These bypolls are a test for the state government's popularity. Let's see if the 'guarantee' schemes help Congress retain these seats.

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