Bagalkot: A high-stakes contest shaped by legacy, caste equations and development promises has turned the Bagalkot assembly bypoll into one of the most closely watched political battles. Necessitated by the death of former minister HY Meti, and although nine candidates are in the fray, it has narrowed to a fight between BJP‘s seasoned Veerabhadrayya alias Veranna Charantimath and Congress first-timer Umesh Hullappa Meti. The contest is widely seen as a test of experience versus legacy. Charantimath, a three-time MLA contesting his sixth consecutive election, brings organisational depth and an urban support base. Umesh, the son of HY Meti, is relying on sympathy, rural connect and Congress govt’s guarantee schemes. Chief minister Siddaramaiah has invested significant political capital, camping in the seat for over a week. The stakes are both political and personal. Meti, from the Kuruba community to which the CM belongs, was considered a key supporter. Some 20 Congress ministers who have been assigned different roles have framed the contest as a referendum on the govt’s performance, with Siddaramaiah urging voters to consider himself as the candidate. The bypoll is equally crucial for BJP. Victory in this Lingayat-dominated seat is being seen as a test for state president BY Vijayendra, a Lingayat, and a boost ahead of the 2028 assembly polls. Bagalkot’s electoral history adds depth to the contest. This is the third bypoll since 1952. In 1962, S Nijalingappa entered the assembly from here unopposed and became CM. In 1998, PH Pujar’s win marked BJP’s first breakthrough in the constituency. Since 2004, the seat has largely oscillated between Charantimath and HY Meti, turning it into what local observers describe as a “snake and ladder” rivalry. Charantimath, known locally as ‘Chairman’ for his long tenure at Basaveshwara Veerashaiva Vidyavardhaka Sangha overseeing over 160 educational institutions, draws mixed reactions. While some voters credit him for discipline and development, others point to his temper. His close associate Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Vijayapura MLA, remarked publicly that Charantimath should smile and offer visitors tea or coffee. Umesh, though new to electoral politics, has built rapport in rural areas but some voters say he is not an acquainted face like his sisters, reflecting gaps in personal connect despite the family’s influence. Women voters, who outnumber men, appear inclined towards Congress guarantees such as Gruha Lakshmi, though many remain non-committal in public. Male voters, by contrast, are more vocal about their preferences. Development issues dominate. The long-pending demand for higher compensation for those who lost land to the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) remains central. The proposed third phase of the project is a key talking point, with the CM and his deputy DK Shivakumar, who holds the water resources portfolio, announcing plans to spend over Rs 30,000 crore. But scepticism persists. While Congress cites fresh allocations, voters say promises of Rs 75,000 crore during the 2023 campaign translated into only about Rs 9,000 crore in the past three years. BJP, in turn, faces questions over delays in Union govt approvals for the project. A proposed govt medical college is another talking point. Charantimath criticised repeated announcements since 2016 without execution, while Congress alleges he stalled the project to protect interests of an institution run by his network. The contentious proposal to shift Aihole, a heritage village with over 120 temples and caves, also figures in the campaign. Both parties have promised action, but residents say little progress has been made. Adding intrigue, Yatnal, expelled from BJP, has been actively campaigning, citing the cause of Hindutva and his friendship with Charantimath. His presence, despite tensions with the state party brass, has drawn attention as he has the potential to garner votes.
