Shiggaon Bypoll Consequence: How Congress’ Final-Minute Choose Eclipsed Bommai’s Son-Rise – News18
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Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan introduced native political expertise to his marketing campaign, which was bolstered by state authorities assist and grassroots efforts
Pathan was a last-minute alternative for Congress within the 2023 Karnataka Meeting polls too. (PTI)
Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, the “humble Congressman”, has gained a vital contest towards Bharat Bommai, son of former Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, within the Shiggaon bypoll. The seat was not solely prestigious for the BJP, with Bommai having gained it 5 instances earlier than, however wresting it from the BJP has made the victory sweeter for the Grand Previous Social gathering.
Pathan, a last-minute alternative by the Congress, changed one other candidate simply earlier than the deadline for submitting nominations ended. At present the president of Anjuman-e-Islam Hubballi-Dharwad and a former Zilla Parishad member from Hangal, Pathan introduced native political expertise to his marketing campaign, which was bolstered by state authorities assist and grassroots efforts. Pathan’s victory carries added weight as Shiggaon is not only any constituency however a logo of the BJP’s affect underneath Bommai’s management.
The bypoll grew to become vital after Basavaraj Bommai’s election to the Haveri Lok Sabha seat earlier this yr. To keep up its grip on Shiggaon, the BJP fielded Bharat, a third-generation politician with an MBA from Singapore College and a Bachelor of Engineering from Purdue College within the US, banking on the Bommai legacy. Regardless of Basavaraj’s preliminary hesitation in pushing for his son’s candidacy, given allegations of dynastic politics, the BJP excessive command authorized his identify following inner discussions.
Bommai later defined that the bypoll was a “particular case” and the celebration had made a unanimous determination, primarily based on inner surveys and stories. He additionally maintained that the BJP all the time positioned the celebration above people.
The Shiggaon by-election was a high-stakes contest between the BJP and Congress, reflecting the bigger rivalry between the BJP high brass and the Congress-led authorities underneath Siddaramaiah. It was additionally seen as a part of the continuing tug-of-war between Basavaraj Bommai and the Congress-led state authorities.
The Congress’s win in Shiggaon was attributed to the groundwork led by senior Congressman and Siddaramaiah’s shut confidant Satish Jarkiholi. “Shiggaon’s win was the results of laborious work by Jayakumar and Satish Jarkiholi. Though the BJP made it a Hindu versus Muslim contest, individuals voted for our programmes and ensures. They selected our authorities that delivers,” Karnataka minister Santosh Lad advised News18.
Bharat’s marketing campaign centred on his father’s legacy, PM Modi’s governance, and criticism of the Congress authorities, whereas the Congress highlighted Siddaramaiah’s governance and the celebration’s ensures. Siddaramaiah personally campaigned in Shiggaon, searching for votes for the Congress candidate.
One issue that damage the BJP was anti-incumbency towards Basavaraj Bommai. The BJP’s criticism of dynastic politics additionally rang hole because the celebration fielded Bharat. “On one hand, the BJP speaks towards dynastic politics, and however, it provides tickets to little kids. This didn’t resonate effectively,” mentioned a BJP insider.
One other setback for the BJP got here from Basavaraj Bommai’s controversial statements on the Waqf concern.
Shiggaon, with its mixture of Lingayat and minority voters, has all the time been a politically vital constituency. Congress historically features assist from Lambani, Maratha, and Kuruba communities, whereas the BJP banks on native engagement and improvement.
Pathan’s win marks a serious shift within the political panorama of Shiggaon, delivering a lift to the Congress and a setback to the BJP.
- Location :
Shiggaon, India
