The upcoming by-elections in Karnataka have captured widespread attention as three key constituencies—Shiggaon, Channapatna, and Sandur—head to the polls. The results will set the tone for the state’s political landscape, testing party loyalties, community influence, and family legacies. Let’s delve into what makes each constituency crucial and how these contests may reshape Karnataka’s political equations.
Shiggaon: A Stronghold Under Scrutiny
In Shiggaon, the Lingayat-dominated constituency in the Kittur Karnataka region, the BJP faces a test of loyalty and legacy. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has held this seat for four consecutive terms, and now the BJP has nominated his son, Bharath Bommai, hoping to retain their influence.
The Congress, however, has thrown in Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, a last-minute choice in a constituency where minority representation is a contentious issue. Reportedly, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar favored a Lingayat candidate to consolidate the party’s base among the region’s dominant community, while CM Siddaramaiah insisted on fielding a minority candidate to emphasize inclusivity.
What makes Shiggaon pivotal is its demographic. Panchamasali Lingayats, who constitute around 30% of the 2.26 lakh voters, play a critical role. Meanwhile, Bommai’s Sadar Lingayat community only numbers around 8,000. There’s notable discontent among Panchamasalis, who feel underrepresented despite their large presence. This tension gives Congress a potential opening, as Shiggaon’s outcome could signal whether loyalty to the Bommai family outweighs community frustrations within the BJP’s traditional voter base.
Channapatna: A Battlefield of Legacy and Power Struggles
Channapatna, in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysore region, has become a battleground of political egos and rivalries. The JD(S), led by former CM HD Kumaraswamy, is fiercely defending this seat, as he vacated it for his Lok Sabha win from Mandya, making it a high-stakes arena. His son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, takes on former minister CP Yogeshwar, a veteran known for switching party allegiances—this is his sixth party switch, having recently joined the Congress.
The Channapatna race carries multiple symbolic undertones. Kumaraswamy sees this election as crucial to establishing Nikhil’s political future, while the Congress, led by DK Shivakumar, wants to reassert dominance in a constituency crucial to Vokkaliga politics. Yogeshwar, a Vokkaliga himself, brings a nuanced dynamic. Despite his controversies, he is credited for developmental initiatives, such as an irrigation project in the area. The JD(S), traditionally strong in this region, now faces a reinvigorated Congress seeking to win back voters, particularly after the JD(S) alliance with the BJP during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which swept 14 of 15 seats in southern Karnataka.
Sandur: A Test of Mining Influence and Grassroots Connections
The Sandur constituency, set in the mineral-rich Ballari district, has long been a Congress stronghold, with few defeats since Independence. The current by-election follows the MLA E Tukaram’s victory from Ballari in the Lok Sabha polls, prompting Congress to nominate his wife, Annapurna. BJP, in turn, has fielded Bangaru Hanumantha, while former mining baron and Gangavathi MLA G Janardhana Reddy campaigns for the BJP, having rejoined the party following a brief stint with his own Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha.
Sandur’s stakes are rooted in the dynamics of Ballari’s mining industry, which has seen both political leverage and scandal. Reddy’s involvement symbolizes the BJP’s attempt to erode Congress’s stronghold in the district. With Sandur’s ST (Scheduled Tribe) population and mining-dependent communities, Reddy’s support may shift loyalties, especially considering his past influence in the region.
A Broader Implication for Karnataka Politics
Although these by-elections will not directly impact the Congress government’s stability—bolstered by its majority in the Assembly—the results will serve as a performance review of the Congress administration and Siddaramaiah’s leadership. The BJP, leveraging issues of corruption against the Congress, views these elections as an opportunity to rally its base and perhaps regain some lost momentum.
Meanwhile, Congress aims to consolidate its foothold in the Old Mysore and Ballari regions, partly as a response to the Congress-JD(S) fallout over their 2024 electoral alliance with the BJP. The JD(S) hopes a victory in Channapatna will not only bolster Nikhil Kumaraswamy’s political career but also affirm their relevance in the Vokkaliga belt.
Ultimately, these by-elections embody the classic push-pull of Karnataka politics: traditional loyalties against a backdrop of shifting alliances, regional aspirations, and generational change. For BJP, retaining Shiggaon and challenging Sandur could reassert its claim in historically Congress-heavy territories. For Congress, consolidating Channapatna and reclaiming the trust of Old Mysore voters would signal a strong counter to the BJP-JD(S) coalition.
As Karnataka waits for the November 23 results, these by-elections will undoubtedly shape political strategies, community engagement, and inter-party dynamics leading into future state and national elections.
