Karnataka Bypolls: Congress Faces Internal Strife Amidst Confidence

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Tuesday, expressed confidence that the Congress party would secure victories in both the Bagalkot and Davanagere South Assembly seats in the April 9 bypolls. These elections were necessitated by the tragic deaths of senior Congress MLAs H Y Meti and Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

As vote counting approaches on May 4, Siddaramaiah is optimistic, despite controversies surrounding candidate selection. The Congress decision not to field a Muslim candidate in Davanagere South led to dissatisfaction among some party leaders. Siddaramaiah clarified that the candidate decision involved minority leaders' consent.

Muslim leaders, including legislative figures, alleged internal efforts to undermine the party's official candidate. In response, the Congress suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar and reshuffled political roles, hinting at potential further disciplinary actions. This internal strife casts shadows on the party's confidence during the bypolls.

(With inputs from agencies.)