Congress Wins All Three Karnataka Bypolls, DK Shivakumar Calls It “A Message From the People
GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 23rd November. The Congress emerged victorious in all three assembly bypolls in Karnataka, dealing a blow to the BJP and JD(S) while reinforcing its position in the state. The results, declared on Saturday, saw Congress candidates defeating prominent rivals, including close family members of BJP and JD(S) stalwarts.
In Shiggaon, Yasir Pathan defeated Bharath Bommai, son of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. Pathan’s win marks a significant upset in Bommai’s stronghold. In Channapatna, BJP turncoat CP Yogeshwara triumphed over JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy’s son with a massive margin. Congress’s Annapoorna Tukaram secured victory in Sandur, defeating BJP’s Bangara Hanumantha by 9,649 votes.
Shivakumar Hails “People’s Mandate”
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar celebrated the victories, framing them as a rejection of opposition allegations and a sign of support for Congress’s governance. “This is a message from the people for what Basavaraj Bommai’s government failed to deliver. Only two things work: development and guarantees. The people have spoken, and this is just the beginning. We will return to power in 2028,” Shivakumar said.
He further credited the success to Congress’s welfare initiatives, such as the Gruhalakshmi and Gruhajyothi schemes, which he said had a direct impact on people’s lives. “We are spending ₹55,000 crore for development and the welfare of the people. This victory is proof that these initiatives resonate with the masses,” he added.
A Blow to the BJP and JD(S)
Shivakumar didn’t hold back from taking jabs at the BJP and JD(S), asserting that their attempts to target the Congress leadership had backfired. “Kamala (the BJP’s lotus symbol) should stay in the lake, and the JD(S) plough belongs in the field. The people have rejected the baseless allegations made against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders,” he quipped.
The loss in Shiggaon is particularly significant for the BJP, as Basavaraj Bommai had earlier expressed confidence in retaining the seat, citing his 36,000-vote margin from the last election. Meanwhile, JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy had campaigned aggressively in Channapatna to secure a win for his son, but the result was a stark setback for the party.
The Karnataka bypoll results come amid the announcement of assembly election results in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, as well as bypolls across 48 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha constituencies in 15 states. Early trends in Karnataka had initially shown a lead for the BJP in Shiggaon, but the Congress gained momentum as counting progressed.
With this sweep, the Congress not only cements its grip on Karnataka but also sends a signal to the BJP-led NDA and JD(S) alliance ahead of future electoral battles in the state.
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