High-Stakes By-Elections: Prestige Battle in Karnataka
Congress faces scrutiny over anti-party activity allegations as vote counting begins in two Assembly bypolls won’t affect the state government.
- On Monday, counting began for Karnataka bypolls in Bagalkot and Davanagere South, with Congress and BJP candidates competing for seats vacated by the deaths of two veteran legislators.
- The bypolls were necessitated by the passing of veteran Congress MLAs H.Y. Meti and Shamanur Shivashankarappa, both of whom held long-standing influence in their respective constituencies.
- In Bagalkot, Congress candidate Umesh Hullappa Meti established a lead of 12,710 votes, while in Davanagere South, BJP's Shrinivasa T. Dasakariyappa challenges Congress's Samarth Shamanur Mallikarjuna.
- Congress faced internal unrest in Davanagere South regarding candidate selection, as some leaders lobbied for a Muslim representative, noting that Muslims comprise nearly one-third of the electorate.
- Officials deployed 63 personnel and set up 14 counting tables at each venue to ensure transparency, while prohibitory orders under Section 163 remain in force until Tuesday morning.
16 Articles
16 Articles
High-Stakes By-Elections: Prestige Battle in Karnataka
The by-elections in Karnataka's Bagalkot and Davanagere South are crucial for both Congress and BJP. Congress aims to retain seats following the deaths of senior members, while BJP hopes to capitalize on internal Congress struggles. Initial trends show Congress leading in Bagalkot, and BJP ahead in Davanagere South.
Umesh Meti Wins Bagalkot Bypoll Election 2026 by 22,332 Votes | 🗳️ LatestLY
In the Bagalkot Bypoll Election 2026, Congress candidate Umesh Meti secured a decisive victory, winning by a margin of 22,332 votes. He polled 98,919 votes to defeat BJP’s Veeranna Charantimath, who received 76,587. The election was held following the death of MLA HY Meti, with a total of nine candidates contesting the Karnataka Assembly seat. 🗳️ Umesh Meti Wins Bagalkot Bypoll Election 2026 by 22,332 Votes.
As Keys Go Missing, Poll Officials Break Into EVM Strongroom In Karnataka
Although the outcome of these bypolls is unlikely to have an immediate impact on state politics, the contest is seen as a matter of prestige for both the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
