Bengaluru: Governing Congress faces a delicate situation ahead of the bypolls in Davanagere South and Bagalkot as a victory could intensify factional tension. Supporters of chief minister Siddaramaiah, who are leading the campaign, are likely to claim credit if the party wins and could push for organisational changes. The camp is expected to back public works minister Satish Jarkiholi for the state president post — which deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar currently holds. Jarkiholi, who is handling the campaign in Bagalkot, has been seeking a larger role for some time now. He was credited for snatching Shiggaon seat from BJP in a bypoll last year, a seat previously represented by former CM Basavaraj Bommai. Functionaries such as Saleem Ahmed and Rizwan Arshad are at the forefront of the campaign in Davanagere South, and could stake claim for ministerial berths if the party wins. They are seen as potential replacements for municipal administration minister Rahim Khan and housing minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan. Besides Zameer, Siddaramaiah’s political secretary Naseer Ahmed and MLC K Jabbar Khan have stayed away from active campaigning after the party denied a ticket to a Muslim candidate. Their absence has allowed Saleem and Rizwan to strengthen their positions. “In a political set-up, brass rewards those who work hard and punishes anti-party activities,” said HB Manjappa, president, Davanagere district unit. “We hope those who are staying away from campaign will join when electioneering peaks.” The bypolls have also revived demands for a cabinet rejig. First-time MLAs have written to the high command seeking changes, while their representatives are planning to visit New Delhi after campaigning ends on April 7. Senior MLAs have also met Siddaramaiah separately to press their demand. Saleem downplayed the internal churn. “Our focus is to win the bypolls, nothing else. If we do, it will be a collective achievement,” he said. Meanwhile, the Shivakumar camp is expected to renew its push for a change at the helm, with supporters anticipating that the high command may call both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to New Delhi after the results on May 4. “Credit for victory in the bypoll will obviously go to Shivakumar as he is the party president. He is at the forefront of campaigning and his contribution cannot be denied,” said Kunigal MLA HD Ranganath. Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, told voters at a rally: “You are not voting for Congress candidates, but for me. The victory will strengthen me further.”
