Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Confident of By-Poll Victory Amidst Internal Rifts

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed confidence in Congress winning two upcoming by-elections. He dismissed BJP's chances, highlighting Congress's fulfilled promises. Despite internal disagreements over candidate selection, Siddaramaiah emphasized party unity. By-elections are scheduled for April 9 in Bagalkot and Davanagere South, prompted by the deaths of two senior Congress MLAs.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday confidently stated that the Congress party will win the upcoming by-polls in the state, dismissing the BJP's chances of victory. Siddaramaiah was addressing reporters about the by-elections for two assembly constituencies, Bagalkot and Davanagere South, scheduled for April 9, following the deaths of Congress MLAs H Y Meti and Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

The Chief Minister downplayed any friction within the party ranks over ticket distribution, assuring that all members will unite to secure the seats. He emphasized Congress's track record of fulfilled promises through implementing guarantee schemes, claiming widespread support from various demographics, including Dalits, backward classes, farmers, and minorities.

Siddaramaiah rejected BJP's claims that by-poll results would influence the 2028 state assembly elections, citing Congress's previous successes in similar contests. The Congress announced Umesh Meti and Samarth Mallikarjun as candidates, representing the families of the deceased legislators, as part of the party's strategy to consolidate support.

(With inputs from agencies.)