Bengaluru: Governing Congress faces a delicate balancing act in Davanagere South assembly constituency after its choice of candidate, Samarth Shamanur, a Lingayat, for the April 9 byelection triggered discontent among a section of the Muslim population. The community forms a significant chunk of Congress’ traditional support base. The byelection was necessitated by the death of four-time legislator Shamanur Shivashankarappa. Muslim representatives had sought the ticket, citing their numerical strength — about 88,000 of the 2.3 lakh electorate. The community had consistently backed Shivashankarappa, and expected representation following his passing. But Congress brass opted for Samarth, Shivashankarappa’s grandson, factoring in local sentiment and the influence of the Lingayat community. “Usually in a byelection, the party ticket is given to a family member, and the high command followed the same principle in Davanagere South,” said HB Manjappa, president, Congress’ Davanagere district unit. “Moreover, BJP would have taken advantage if we had picked a Muslim over a Lingayat.” Senior Lingayat members, including ministers MB Patil and Eshwar Khandre, backed the Shamanur family. They argued that overlooking Lingayat sentiment could hurt Congress in the long run and would allow BJP to consolidate support among the politically dominant community ahead of the 2028 assembly polls. Party brass endorsed their view. “There is nothing wrong with the minority community’s demand, but we had to consider other critical factors,” said DK Shivakumar, deputy CM and Congress state president. “Shivashankarappa’s contribution to the party and Davanagere is unmatched and people remember it with reverence.” Muslims, though, are seething. Housing minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, who had supported calls for a minority candidate, reportedly offered to resign. AICC general secretary Randeep Surjewala is learnt to have told Khan he could do so if he wished, but chief minister Siddaramaiah intervened and defused the situation. The developments have exposed internal fault lines, with local Muslim figure Sadiq Pailwan entering the fray as a rebel. Senior MLC K Abdul Jabbar, who was among the aspirants for the ticket, also expressed dissatisfaction. “The party has made a call, and now it is up to voters,” said Jabbar. Congress has initiated damage control and is planning a legislative party meeting to bring all sections on board to ensure a united front. Senior Muslim members have been tasked with outreach efforts, with assurances of future representation, including in the 2028 assembly polls and the upcoming MLC elections. “At present, our focus should be to win the election while looking at opportunities ahead,” said Saleem Ahmed, Congress chief whip.
