Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 4: The ruling Congress party has secured a major victory in the high-stakes Karnataka by-elections, winning both the Davanagere South and Bagalkot assembly constituencies. The results, which were announced today, are being seen as a public endorsement of the state government’s performance and its guarantee schemes over the past three years.

In a closely contested battle in Davanagere South, Congress candidate Samarth Shamanuru, the grandson of veteran leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, clinched a significant win. The initial rounds of counting saw a tense face-off, with Shamanuru trailing behind BJP's Srinivasa Dasakariyappa for the first seven rounds. However, the momentum shifted in the eighth and ninth rounds. By the 20th round, Shamanuru established a lead of 4,900 votes, eventually sealing his victory.

Local leaders attributed the success to strong support from the minority community. Following the announcement, celebrations erupted at the residence of Minister Mallikarjun as supporters cheered the arrival of the Shamanuru family's third generation into active legislative politics.

In Bagalkot, Congress candidate Umesh Meti recorded a resounding victory, defeating BJP veteran Veeranna Charantimath by a margin of 21,866 votes. Meti secured a total of 97,941 votes against Charantimath’s 76,075 votes.

Speaking after the win, Umesh Meti dedicated the victory to the voters and party workers, stating that the result reflects the people's affection for his father and their trust in the "Guarantee Government". He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, and district in-charge ministers R B Timmapur and Satish Jarkiholi for their extensive campaigning.

The counting process in Bagalkot showed a consistent lead for the Congress from the very first round. As the victory became certain, Congress workers across the district celebrated by bursting crackers and organizing processions.