Bagalkot bypoll: BJP, Congress nominees file papers amid show of strength

Bagalkot: The BJP candidate, Veeranna Charantimath and the Congress nominee Umesh Meti, filed their nomination papers for the byelection to Bagalkot Assembly constituency amid show of strength on the last day
of filing nominations, on Monday.

Both the candidates took out massive processions ahead of filing their papers. Charantimath filed his nomination papers in the presence of BJP state president B Y Vijayendra, Union minister Pralhad Joshi, MPs Jagadish Shettar, P C Gaddigoudar and Govind Karjol among others.

The Congress nominee Umesh Meti submitted his papers to the district election officer in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his deputy D K Shivakumar, ministers Satish Jarkiholi, Shivanand Patil and R B Timmapur.

The byelection for Bagalkot was necessitated following the demise of Congress MLA H Y Meti.

Congress party walks the talk: CM

Asserting that the Congress will win the byelection and retain Bagalkot seat, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a scathing attack on the BJP.

“The BJP leaders are experts in spreading lies. In the 2018 election manifesto, the BJP had made 600 promises, but they didn’t fulfill even 10%,” he said. 

“The BJP portrays itself as inheritor of Hindu pride. I am a Hindu, so is Umesh Meti. They (BJP) are anti-poor, backward classes and Dalits. They criticise guarantees, but did not bother to implement a single pro-poor programme when in power,” he charged.

The Congress party has walked the talk. Only Congress can provide social justice, he said.

Shivakumar said the byelection in Bagalkot is between dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness).

Precursor for 2028 Assembly polls: BYV 

Addressing a public rally, Vijayendra said, “I know how the Congress fights the elections. The chief minister and his Cabinet colleagues camp in the constituency, bringing currency notes in gunny bags... I have seen it in the bypolls to Sira and KR Pete. They will do the same in the bypoll to Bagalkot. They will bring money looted from Valmiki corporation and SC/ST funds. Don’t fall prey to money power,” he said.

People are fed up with the Congress government’s corruption. The people of Bagalkot will support the BJP. The bypolls are a precursor for the 2028 Assembly election, Vijayendra said.

Union minister Pralhad Joshi said that the electors will send the son (in Bagalkot) and grandson (in Davangere) packing.

“The party had lost in Bagalkot due to lack of unity, but this time we will put up a concerted effort to help Charantimath cross the line.”  

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appeals to voters to support Congress candidate for Bagalkot Umesh Meti during a public rally in Bagalkot on Monday. DH PHOTOS