Shiggaon, a prominent assembly constituency in Karnataka’s Haveri district, is set to be the focal point of intense political activity as it prepares for a crucial by-election. This electoral battle is significant not just for the local dynamics but also for its broader implications on Karnataka’s political landscape.
Here’s why Shiggaon is critical for the 2024 Karnataka by-elections.
Shiggaon was carved out as a legislative constituency during the 2008 delimitation process, aimed at enhancing electoral representation. Since its inception, it has been a key area of political interest, predominantly dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai, has represented Shiggaon since 2008, securing victories in the assembly elections of 2008, 2013, and 2018. His tenure has established the constituency as a BJP stronghold.
Bommai’s recent election to the Haveri parliamentary seat necessitated this by-election, creating a pivotal moment for both the BJP and the Indian National Congress (INC). The BJP’s aim is to retain Shiggaon and consolidate its hold, while the Congress sees this as a prime opportunity to make a comeback in a region where it has historically struggled.
In the 2023 assembly elections, Bommai won Shiggaon with a substantial margin of 36,000 votes. However, the recent parliamentary elections revealed a shift in voter sentiment. The BJP candidate from Dharwad, which includes Shiggaon, trailed by 8,598 votes behind the Congress candidate, Vinod Asooti, in the Shiggaon assembly segment. This unexpected swing has invigorated Congress’s hopes of a breakthrough.
The Congress party is gearing up to capitalize on this opportunity. Historically, Shiggaon has seen representation from various political entities, including Congress, JD(S), and independents. However, it was only after Bommai joined the BJP in 2008 that the party solidified its dominance. The Congress’s recent improvements in vote share and the presence of a Congress-led state government further fuel their ambitions.
The selection of the Congress candidate has become a hotly debated issue. Several names are in contention, with a strong push from minority community leaders for representation. Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, who lost to Bommai in 2023, former JD(S) leader and edu-preneur CM Faiz, and Syed Azeempeer Khadri Syed Kadar Basha, a recurrent challenger, are prominent contenders. The internal debates within Congress underscore the complexity of their strategy to reclaim Shiggaon.
In contrast, the BJP’s strategy involves maintaining its established position. Basavaraj Bommai has expressed confidence in overcoming the challenges faced during the parliamentary elections. He has highlighted his past successes and reassured supporters of a robust campaign to ensure the BJP’s victory. The BJP’s core committee, led by R Ashok, is actively working on candidate selection and campaign strategies to retain the seat.
The by-election will be influenced by several local issues that have historically shaped Shiggaon’s electoral landscape. Agriculture, water supply, and infrastructure development are central to voter concerns. The BJP’s focus on development and governance has resonated with the electorate in previous elections. Conversely, the Congress aims to address these issues with a renewed approach, promising change and better representation.
Voter sentiments in Shiggaon are likely to be shaped by the recent electoral performance and the party’s ability to connect with local issues. Both parties are mobilising their resources to address these concerns and win over the electorate.
The outcome of the Shiggaon by-election will have broader implications for Karnataka’s political scene. For the BJP, retaining Shiggaon would solidify its position and reflect continued support in the region. For the Congress, a victory would signal a significant resurgence and potentially shift the balance of power in Karnataka’s political landscape.
Both parties are intensifying their efforts, making the Shiggaon by-election a critical battleground. The result will not only influence the local political dynamics but also set the tone for future elections in Karnataka.
