Shiggaon Bypoll Result: How Congress’ Last-Minute Pick Eclipsed Bommai’s Son-Rise

Last Updated:November 23, 2024, 14:11 IST

Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan brought local political experience to his campaign, which was bolstered by state government support and grassroots efforts

Pathan was a last-minute choice for Congress in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly polls too. (PTI)

Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, the “humble Congressman", has won a crucial contest against Bharat Bommai, son of former Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, in the Shiggaon bypoll. The seat was not only prestigious for the BJP, with Bommai having won it five times before, but wresting it from the BJP has made the victory sweeter for the Grand Old Party.

Pathan, a last-minute choice by the Congress, replaced another candidate just before the deadline for filing nominations ended. Currently the president of Anjuman-e-Islam Hubballi-Dharwad and a former Zilla Parishad member from Hangal, Pathan brought local political experience to his campaign, which was bolstered by state government support and grassroots efforts. Pathan’s victory carries added weight as Shiggaon is not just any constituency but a symbol of the BJP’s influence under Bommai’s leadership.

The bypoll became necessary after Basavaraj Bommai’s election to the Haveri Lok Sabha seat earlier this year. To maintain its grip on Shiggaon, the BJP fielded Bharat, a third-generation politician with an MBA from Singapore University and a Bachelor of Engineering from Purdue University in the US, banking on the Bommai legacy. Despite Basavaraj’s initial hesitation in pushing for his son’s candidacy, given allegations of dynastic politics, the BJP high command approved his name following internal discussions.

Bommai later explained that the bypoll was a “special case" and the party had made a unanimous decision, based on internal surveys and reports. He also maintained that the BJP always placed the party above individuals.

The Shiggaon by-election was a high-stakes contest between the BJP and Congress, reflecting the larger rivalry between the BJP top brass and the Congress-led government under Siddaramaiah. It was also seen as part of the ongoing tug-of-war between Basavaraj Bommai and the Congress-led state government.

The Congress’s win in Shiggaon was attributed to the groundwork led by senior Congressman and Siddaramaiah’s close confidant Satish Jarkiholi. “Shiggaon’s win was the result of hard work by Jayakumar and Satish Jarkiholi. Even though the BJP made it a Hindu versus Muslim contest, people voted for our programmes and guarantees. They chose our government that delivers," Karnataka minister Santosh Lad told News18.

Bharat’s campaign centred on his father’s legacy, PM Modi’s governance, and criticism of the Congress government, while the Congress highlighted Siddaramaiah’s governance and the party’s guarantees. Siddaramaiah personally campaigned in Shiggaon, seeking votes for the Congress candidate.

One factor that hurt the BJP was anti-incumbency against Basavaraj Bommai. The BJP’s criticism of dynastic politics also rang hollow as the party fielded Bharat. “On one hand, the BJP speaks against dynastic politics, and on the other hand, it gives tickets to sons and daughters. This did not resonate well," said a BJP insider.

Another setback for the BJP came from Basavaraj Bommai’s controversial statements on the Waqf issue.

Shiggaon, with its mix of Lingayat and minority voters, has always been a politically significant constituency. Congress traditionally gains support from Lambani, Maratha, and Kuruba communities, while the BJP banks on local engagement and development.

Pathan’s win marks a major shift in the political landscape of Shiggaon, delivering a boost to the Congress and a setback to the BJP.

Shiggaon, India

News elections Shiggaon Bypoll Result: How Congress’ Last-Minute Pick Eclipsed Bommai’s Son-Rise