Shiggaon: Haveri District’s Shiggaon constituency, which has drawn significant attention statewide, concludes its election campaigning today. With Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former CMs Basavaraj Bommai and B.S. Yediyurappa actively involved, the election has become a matter of pride for both BJP and Congress. Congress candidate Yasir Ahmad Khan Pathan is up against BJP’s Bharat Bommai, creating a direct and intense contest.

Known for its unity and harmony, Shiggaon and surrounding villages have a diverse demographic, with Lingayats forming the majority, followed by minorities, Kurubas, SC/ST communities, Marathas, and Gangamathas. Basavaraj Bommai, who had served as MLA for four terms, vacated the seat after becoming an MP, making way for his son Bharat Bommai to contest in this by-election.

Congress has once again fielded Yasir Ahmad Khan Pathan, focusing on social justice. Prominent Congress ministers and legislators are rallying support, with Pathan being promoted as a strong candidate against Bommai. Bharat Bommai, in contrast, is appealing to voters to recognize the development work carried out by his father.

The battle for Shiggaon has also drawn the attention of top leaders like Basavaraj Bommai, Siddaramaiah, and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, turning it into a prestige fight. The BJP has a strong base with dedicated Bommai loyalists, while Congress has steadily established roots despite past defeats, and shifting party affiliations among locals further intensifies the competition.

With Congress and BJP exchanging accusations of vote-buying, the competition has reached a boiling point. In the previous assembly elections, Congress had an 8,500-vote lead over BJP in Shiggaon, fueling expectations for a possible repeat. Alongside the two main parties, KRS candidate Ravi Krishnareddy and independents are also in the fray, striving to win voter support in this high-stakes election.