Bengaluru, May 4: The Congress has established a lead in both Davanagere South and Bagalkot Assembly segments in Karnataka bypolls, recovering from an early setback in one seat and consolidating its advantage in the other as counting progresses on Monday.
According to the latest official figures, the Congress candidate Samarth Mallikarjun is leading in Davanagere South by 3,986 votes after nine rounds of counting. He has secured 30,530 votes, while BJP candidate Srinivasa T. Dasakariyappa trails with 26,544 votes. The constituency is witnessing a multi-round counting process, with a total of 21 rounds scheduled.
The contest in Davanagere South initially saw fluctuations, with the BJP taking an early lead of 3,925 votes, even as Congress had earlier led by 10,321 votes in initial rounds. The current trend, however, indicates a turnaround in favour of the ruling party.
In Bagalkot, the Congress has maintained a strong and consistent lead. Candidate Umesh Meti is ahead by 15,235 votes over BJP’s Veeranna Charantimath at the end of the 19th round of counting. Umesh Meti has polled 78,482 votes compared to Charantimath’s 63,607 votes, with four rounds of counting still remaining out of a total of 23.
The sustained lead in Bagalkot has prompted Congress workers to begin celebrations, reflecting confidence in retaining the seat. The by-election in the constituency was necessitated by the death of H.Y. Meti, and the Congress fielded his son, Umesh Meti, in a direct contest against the BJP candidate. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had campaigned extensively in support of the party nominee.
The outcomes in both constituencies carry political significance for the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP, as both parties seek to consolidate their positions in the state.
The Davanagere South bypoll was triggered by the demise of senior Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa. The party nominated his grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun, while the BJP fielded Srinivasa T. Dasakariyappa, a leader representing the oppressed classes.
The political stakes have been high, with the prestige of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar linked to the outcome. The BJP, on the other hand, is aiming to secure its first victory in the Davanagere South Assembly segment.
Counting operations began at 8 a.m. and are being conducted under strict administrative supervision. In Bagalkot, the process is being carried out across 14 tables in 23 rounds, with 63 counting personnel deployed to ensure smooth proceedings. Deputy Commissioner Sangappa confirmed that all arrangements were in place.
In Davanagere, Election Officer Santosh Kumar and Deputy Commissioner G.M. Gangadharaswamy reviewed the counting arrangements, and the strongroom was opened in the presence of candidates’ agents, ensuring transparency in the process.
As counting continues, the trends indicate a competitive electoral contest, with Congress holding the advantage in both segments at this stage.
