Congress Tussles With Family Claims

The general election necessitated by the death of MLA HY Meti has put the ruling Congress in a particularly sensitive position. While sympathy for the late leader may work in his favor, the party is struggling with a complex internal conflict over ticket allocation, especially within Meti’s family.

Three members of the family – sons Mallikarjun and Umesh and daughter Mahadevi – are said to be in the fray and each of them has expressed hope of getting a party ticket. What made matters even more complicated was that neither of them had been particularly very active in electoral politics during Meti’s tenure, according to party insiders. In contrast, his other daughter Bayakka, who had a more visible political presence and even headed the Zilla Panchayat, chose to stay out of the race.

Sources say that both Mallikarjun and Umesh have some support within the party structure. However, Mahadevi’s public announcement that she could contest without a Congress ticket raised concerns about potential opposition; This is a risk the party cannot afford in a crucial by-election.

Realizing the urgency, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stepped in to defuse tensions. Using his long-standing relationship with the family dating back to his days in the Janata Dal (Secular), he organized a meeting with Meti’s children in Bengaluru on Wednesday morning. Party leaders remain hopeful that, based on recent experience, a compromise candidate will emerge soon.

During the Shiggaon general election, Siddaramaiah had successfully contained the riot after one of the party candidates, Syed Azempeer Khadri, expressed his unhappiness over Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan’s candidacy. The Congress party secured a win by defeating former CM Basavaraj Bommai’s son Bharath Bommai; This is a precedent that the leadership may hope to replicate in Bagalkot.

Another layer to the Congress calculations is the possible participation of former minister Ajay Sarnaik, whose name is also being talked about. The party is expected to name its candidate in the next few days ahead of the nomination deadline on March 23.

On the other hand, the BJP seems to value experience and electoral performance. Former MLA Veeranna Charantimath has emerged as a strong opponent.

He had won the seat three times before, even defeating Meti. His familiarity with the constituency and his track record could make him a formidable candidate.

Former MLA Pralhad Pujari’s name is also in the spotlight.

The Congress party is focused on managing internal equations and consolidating its base. But the BJP is keen to make the most of any rifts and field a candidate who can turn them into electoral gains.