Shiggaon By-Election: Bharath Bommai or Yasir Pathan - Who will emerge victorious?

Haveri: The Shiggaon constituency by-election has turned into a battleground of prestige for both the BJP and Congress, with verbal duels reaching new heights as each party tries to sway voters. BJP’s Bharath Bommai, son of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, is the candidate, pitted against Congress’s Yasir Khan Pathan, who contested in the last assembly elections but was defeated. Alongside them, KRS Party’s Ravi Krishna Reddy and six other candidates are vying for votes.

The contest here has become a direct BJP-Congress clash, with this by-election reflecting the ongoing political tug-of-war between former Chief Minister Bommai and the current Congress-led state government. The BJP aims to retain its stronghold in Shiggaon, while Congress is strategizing aggressively to seize the seat.

Top Leaders from Both Sides Rallying Support

Several Congress ministers, including Satish Jarkiholi, Eshwar Khandre, and Shivanand Patil, have gathered in Shiggaon to rally support for Pathan. Even Chief Minister Siddaramaiah campaigned vigorously in the constituency for two days, addressing community meetings to consolidate votes. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President D.K. Shivakumar also participated in campaigning, aiming to secure every possible vote. Former MLA Syed Azeempeer Khadri, who was initially disappointed after missing the ticket, has set aside differences and allied with Pathan, strengthening Congress’s bid.

On the other hand, the BJP, led by Basavaraj Bommai, has mobilized former ministers, legislators, and party leaders who are campaigning tirelessly for Bharath Bommai. Through roadshows and rallies, they are countering Congress’s efforts and reinforcing BJP’s position.

Community Support Crucial in the Final Outcome

With the Lingayat and minority communities having significant sway in the constituency, both parties are going all out to win their support. Congress has traditionally garnered support from Lambani, Maratha, and Kuruba communities, and it has also roped in prominent leaders from these groups to attract voters. Meanwhile, Basavaraj Bommai is working on a grassroots strategy, engaging with leaders of smaller communities to ensure a robust backing for his son. Despite these efforts, internal rifts within both parties remain a concern.

This by-election is the first for Shiggaon, intensifying efforts from both sides. As political observers await the results, curiosity mounts on whether the Bommai family’s third generation will enter the assembly or if Congress will snatch this key constituency.

Candidate Selection: A Strategic Decision

Basavaraj Bommai won the Shiggaon seat four consecutive times, cementing it as a BJP fortress. Recognizing this, the BJP high command decided to field Bommai’s son Bharath as the candidate, avoiding the risk of losing this key seat.

For Congress, the decision on candidate selection wasn’t easy. While some within the party lobbied for a Lingayat candidate, minority leaders insisted that the ticket be given to their community. Ultimately, the Congress party nominated Yasir Khan Pathan, acknowledging the need to maintain its connection with the minority community in this region.

Candidate Profiles and Strengths

BJP Candidate Bharath Bommai:

• Trump card of being the son of former CM Basavaraj Bommai.
• Credibility established by Basavaraj Bommai’s development work in the constituency.
• BJP’s stronghold in Shiggaon.
• Strong support from his father’s influence and experience in the political arena.

Congress Candidate Yasir Khan Pathan:

• Advantage of Congress holding the state government.
• Trump card of being a minority candidate.
• United backing from all Congress leaders, including Syed Azeempeer Khadri’s support.
• Sympathy factor due to his defeat in the previous election.