Congress finalises candidates for Bagalkot and Davanagere South after intense deliberations
From Bagalkot, the party has fielded Umesh Meti, while in Davanagere South, Samarth Shamanur, a member of the influential Shamanur family, has been given the ticket.
Bengaluru: After days of intense internal deliberations and lobbying by aspirants, the Congress has finally announced its candidates for the crucial constituencies of Bagalkot and Davanagere South, setting the stage for a high-voltage electoral battle.
From Bagalkot, the party has fielded Umesh Meti, while in Davanagere South, Samarth Shamanur, a member of the influential Shamanur family, has been given the ticket. The announcement comes after multiple rounds of consultations as both constituencies witnessed stiff competition among several aspirants.
In Bagalkot, the selection process was particularly complex due to internal rivalry within the Meti family. Umesh Meti, son of senior leader H.Y. Meti, emerged as the consensus candidate despite claims from other family members, including Mallikarjun Meti and Mahadevi Meti. The latter had even hinted at rebellion if denied the ticket, forcing the party leadership to intervene.
Sources said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally held discussions with the family and advised unity. He reportedly told them, “Party decision should be respected and everyone must work together for victory.” Following the announcement, indications suggest that dissent within the family may subside.
Meanwhile, in Davanagere South, the ticket has gone to Samarth Shamanur, son of senior minister S. S. Mallikarjun. Despite demands from minority community leaders and other aspirants, the party ultimately backed the Shamanur family, which holds significant influence in the region.
Samarth is set to file his nomination soon, with top leaders including Siddaramaiah, district in-charge minister S.S. Mallikarjun, and MP Prabha Mallikarjun expected to be present. A grand procession is also planned from the Durgaambika temple before the nomination filing.
The electoral contests in both constituencies are expected to be keenly fought. In Bagalkot, Umesh Meti will face BJP’s Veeranna Charantimath, while in Davanagere South, Samarth Shamanur will take on BJP candidate Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa.
With candidates now finalised, the Congress hopes to consolidate support and manage internal dissent as it gears up for the bypolls.
