Dy CM Shivakumar confident Congress will sweep Karnataka bypolls

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar exuded confidence on Saturday that the ruling Congress is on course for a decisive victory in the Assembly bypolls scheduled on April 9 in Bagalkote and Davanagere South .

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar highlighted the positive response to the party’s flagship guarantee schemes , including Shakti , Gruha Lakshmi , Gruha Jyoti , Yuva Nidhi , and Anna Bhagya , as a key factor driving voter sentiment. “Both Bagalkote and Davanagere are very positive. Congress workers are going door to door , explaining the schemes and engaging with the public,” he said.

The bypolls were necessitated by the passing of sitting Congress MLAs Shamanur Shivashankarappa (Davanagere South) and H Y Meti (Bagalkote). The party has fielded Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Shamanur , and Umesh Meti in these constituencies. They face off against BJP candidates T Dasakariyappa and Veerabhadrayya Charantimath .

Shivakumar suggested a shift in voter loyalty, stating that even those who previously backed the BJP were now inclined towards Congress. “People want these guarantees to continue. Rising prices are creating difficulties, and voters are expressing their preference for the Congress,” he remarked. He further added that the party anticipates a margin of victory larger than before .

On the campaign front, Shivakumar said he would travel to Kerala for two days and resume the bypoll campaign upon returning.

He also raised concerns about the ongoing LPG shortage in Karnataka , including auto LPG , holding the BJP responsible . “Drivers and the transport sector are facing challenges. The central government must intervene, take corrective measures, and apologise to the public for the inconvenience,” he asserted.

With the bypolls just days away, Shivakumar’s remarks signal a full-throttle campaign, with Congress aiming to consolidate its position through welfare schemes and targeted grassroots outreach.