Bagalkote : The by-election to the Bagalkote Assembly Constituency, which fell vacant following the death of senior leader H. Y. Meti, will be held on April 9 and the counting of votes will take place on May 4, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Sunday.
The announcement has triggered intense political activity in the constituency, with both major parties preparing for a crucial electoral contest. The ruling Indian National Congress is likely to field a candidate from the family of the late leader as a tribute to his political legacy.
Sources within the party indicated that the ticket is likely to be given to Meti’s elder son Mallikarjun Meti. However, the party leadership has not yet made an official announcement regarding the candidate. The delay has created some internal tension within the family.
Meti’s youngest daughter Mahadevi Meti has openly demanded that the party grant her the ticket. She has reportedly warned that she may contest the election independently if the party ignores her claim. Meanwhile, Meti’s other son Umesh Meti and daughter Bayakka Meti have stated that they will abide by the decision taken by the party high command.
On the other hand, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party is also gearing up for the by-election. Party sources suggest that senior leader Veeranna Charantimath is likely to receive the ticket. However, Legislative Council member P. H. Pujar and his supporters are also lobbying with party leaders for the nomination.
According to previous electoral data, the Bagalkote Assembly constituency had around 2,49,385 voters in the last Assembly election. Among them, 1,26,089 were male voters while 1,23,243 were female voters. The updated voter list for the by-election is yet to be officially released by the district administration.
The constituency includes key areas such as Navanagar, Vidyagiri, Shirur, Kamatagi and Aminagad, along with the historic village of Aihole.
Local issues such as rehabilitation problems caused by the Almatti Dam backwaters, lack of employment opportunities and the demand for industrial development are expected to play a key role in the upcoming election.
With both the Congress and BJP treating the by-election as a prestige battle, political observers say the contest is likely to be closely fought once the candidates are officially announced.
