By The move has drawn flak from opposition parties, who have accused the BJP of promoting dynastic politics.
The Basavakalyan constituency has been vacant since the demise of Congress MLA Narayana Rao in September 2020. The by-elections are of great significance for both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, as they look to strengthen their foothold in the state.
To ensure a win in the by-elections, the BJP has fielded its prominent leaders like Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, BJP national general secretary C.T. Ravi, and state unit president Nalin Kumar Kateel to lead the party’s campaign in the Basavakalyan constituency.
In contrast, the Congress is considering fielding former minister M.B. Patil or former MLA Mallikarjun Kharge’s son, Priyank Kharge, who has a stronghold in the Basavakalyan constituency.
As the BJP and Congress lock horns in the by-elections, the BJP is focusing on its developmental initiatives and Chief Minister Yediyurappa’s popularity to win the elections, while the Congress is hoping to capitalize on the anti-incumbency factor and the discontent among the BJP cadre.
The outcome of the by-elections in the Basavakalyan constituency could have far-reaching consequences for the BJP government, which currently holds 117 seats in the 224-member assembly. A defeat in the by-elections could weaken the party’s position and create instability in the state government.