Karnataka CM says he has taken the by-poll setback in his home district seriously, will make corrections

Both by-elections were caused by the death of sitting MLAs. The chief minister acknowledged the party’s loss at Hangal. “I have taken this setback seriously. We will do all the corrections,” Bommai told the media, while dismissing concerns that it was indicative of broad voter disaffection with the BJP-regime.

The by-election had acquired importance politically as assembly elections are due in Karnataka in less than two years.

In Hangal, the BJP had drafted half a dozen ministers to campaign alongside the CM, yet its candidate Shivaraj Sajjanar lost to Congress candidate Srinivas Mane. The victory sent spirits soaring in the Congress camp. Party’s state unit president DK Shivakumar said the party’s performance in Hangal and Sindgi showed the Congress was formidable enough to unseat the BJP in the 2023 Assembly polls. “I stand by my statement that the BJP will be washed away in the tears of Yediyurappa (former CM),” he said referring to the circumstances under which the BJP effected a change of leadership in July this year.

Opposition leader Siddaramaiah sought to interpret the outcome in Hangal as a vote against the CM “as it was Bommai who was the real candidate.” The CM made emotional appeals to voters that he was the constituency’s son-in-law. Yet, the BJP lost in an indication of an anti-incumbency, he said.

In response to queries about the claimants for the CM’s post in the event of a Congress victory in the next assembly elections, the former CM said any leader could make a claim. “But it’s the majority MLAs and the party high command who will decide finally,” he said.

In Hangal, the chief minister was said to be opposed to fielding Sajjanar, fearing a defeat. But when the party pressed ahead, all leaders and ministers fell in line and campaigned. Independent observers say it was Srinivas Mane’s relief efforts at the height of Covid-19 pandemic that earned him a win despite the ruling party’s aggressive campaigning. The chief minister too said voters threw their weight behind Mane, acknowledging his work during the pandemic and on other occasions in the last 2-3 years.

This was also the first significant election after Yediyurappa’s stepping down, and some leaders interpreted the result as sections of Lingayat voters not being happy with the way Yediyurappa was treated.

Hangal
Sindgi

Source: Election Commission