Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, faced a significant defeat in the Channapatna Assembly bypoll. Congress’ CP Yogeshwara, a BJP turncoat, won the seat by a margin of 25,413 votes, securing 1,12,642 votes against Nikhil’s 87,229.
Congress Dominates Karnataka Bypolls
The Channapatna result capped Congress’ clean sweep in Karnataka’s bypolls, winning all three contested seats. In Shiggaon, Congress’ Yasir Pathan defeated Bharath Bommai, son of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, in another major upset. Early trends initially showed Bharath Bommai leading, but Pathan emerged victorious.
In Sandur, Congress’ Annapoorna Tukaram bested BJP’s Bangara Hanumantha, further consolidating the ruling party’s position in Karnataka.
Shivakumar Celebrates Congress’ Victory
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar attributed the wins to development-oriented policies and fulfillment of guarantees. Speaking about the Channapatna and Shiggaon losses for BJP and JD(S), Shivakumar remarked, “This is a message from the people to focus on work and not false allegations. We will come back stronger in 2028.”
High-Stakes Campaigning Falls Flat
Nikhil Kumaraswamy’s loss is particularly notable given the high-profile campaigning by BJP and JD(S) leaders, including HD Deve Gowda and BS Yediyurappa. CP Yogeshwara’s defection to Congress and subsequent win marked a strategic blow to the BJP-led alliance.
Implications for Karnataka Politics
Congress’ victories in these bypolls signal strong voter support for the ruling party and a rejection of BJP and JD(S) alliances in key constituencies. The outcomes also highlight Congress’ ability to counter the BJP-led NDA’s influence in Karnataka.
