The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its lead over the Congress party after five rounds of counting in the Davangere assembly bypoll in Karnataka. The election was held to fill the vacancy caused by the death of senior Congress MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who represented the Davangere South constituency. The bypoll also covered the Bagalkot seat, where Congress MLA H Y Meti passed away.
Counting Progress
According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP candidate has maintained a consistent lead over the Congress rival after the first five rounds of vote counting. The final results are expected later today as counting continues. The bypolls were closely watched as a test of political strength in the state ahead of the next general elections.
Background of the Bypolls
The by-elections were necessitated by the untimely demise of two veteran Congress legislators. H Y Meti, a four-time MLA from Bagalkot, passed away in December 2025 due to age-related ailments. Shamanur Shivashankarappa, a nine-time MLA from Davangere South, died in January 2026 after a prolonged illness. Both were stalwarts of the Congress party in Karnataka and their deaths left a void in the state's political landscape.
Political Implications
The bypoll results are being seen as a referendum on the performance of the Congress state government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. A BJP victory in Davangere South, a traditional Congress stronghold, would be a significant morale booster for the opposition party. Conversely, a Congress win would reaffirm its hold in the region. The counting process is being held under tight security, with officials ensuring a smooth and transparent vote tabulation.
Voter Turnout and Campaign
The bypolls recorded a voter turnout of approximately 68% on the polling day. The campaigns saw high-profile rallies by top leaders from both parties, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. Issues such as local development, agricultural distress, and inflation dominated the campaign rhetoric.
As the counting progresses, all eyes are on the final tally, which will determine the political narrative in Karnataka for the coming months. Stay tuned for updates on the final results.
