The Karnataka Congress unit has finalized its candidates for the upcoming by-elections to the Davangere South and Bagalkote Assembly constituencies through a process of consensus, with the party's top leadership set to lead the nomination proceedings in a display of unity and strength.
Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President D.K. Shivakumar announced the decision on Sunday, March 22, 2026, putting an end to days of speculation, intense lobbying, and reported internal differences over ticket distribution. The bypolls, necessitated by the deaths of sitting MLAs, are scheduled for April 9, 2026, with nominations already underway.
In Davangere South, the Congress has fielded Samarth Mallikarjun, grandson of the late MLA Shamanuru Shivashankarappa. The seat held significant Lingayat community influence, and the choice continues the family's political legacy. Shivakumar stated that extensive consultations were held with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, minority leaders including Zameer Ahmed, Naseer Hussain, Saleem Ahmed Hussain, Harris, and Jabbar, along with AICC representatives, leading to a unanimous decision to entrust the opportunity to the Shamanur family.
For Bagalkote, the ticket has gone to Umesh Meti, the second son of the late MLA H.Y. Meti. This follows family discussions facilitated by Siddaramaiah to resolve internal preferences among Meti's heirs, aiming to consolidate support from the Kuruba community and maintain continuity.
Shivakumar emphasized that the selections were made "by consensus" and described them as unanimous, dismissing reports of rifts. He highlighted that the B-Form (official party authorization) was issued to Samarth Mallikarjun's father, S.S. Mallikarjun. The Deputy CM further announced that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would travel to Davangere and Bagalkote on Monday, March 23, 2026, to personally lead the nomination filing ceremonies, underscoring a show of force from the state’s top brass.
The announcements came after AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, who oversees Karnataka affairs, visited Bengaluru on March 20 to mediate discussions between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar amid reported factional pressures and lobbying. The high command's clearance, approved by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, finalized the names over the weekend.
However, despite claims of unity, some discontent persists. In Davangere South, a disappointed aspirant, Congress leader Mohammad Sadiq Pehelwan, has announced plans to contest as an independent or rebel candidate, potentially splitting votes and posing a challenge in a constituency with notable minority influence. Muslim leaders have reportedly expressed reservations about the family-centric choice, with warnings of vote erosion.
The Congress views these bypolls as a critical test of its cohesion ahead of future electoral battles, including the 2028 Assembly elections. Winning both seats would bolster the party's majority in the 224-member Karnataka Legislative Assembly, where it currently holds a comfortable position following its 2023 victory.
The BJP, which has already announced its candidates, is expected to mount a strong challenge, framing the contests as a referendum on the ruling coalition's governance. The Congress leadership's direct involvement in nominations signals an aggressive strategy to retain these seats and project internal stability.
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