Karnataka By-Polls: A Decisive Battle Looms

The assembly by-polls in Shiggaon, Sandur, and Channapatna mark a crucial political event in Karnataka. The elections, involving key political figures like Bharath Bommai and Nikhil Kumaraswamy, serve as a litmus test for the ruling Congress government amidst ongoing investigations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The high-decibel electioneering came to a close on Monday evening in Karnataka's Shiggaon, Sandur, and Channapatna, as loudspeakers fell silent, marking the end of public campaigning for the assembly by-polls scheduled for November 13.

The Election Commission reports that eight candidates are contesting in Shiggaon, 31 in Channapatna, and six in Sandur. The BJP has fielded notable candidates, including former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai's son, Bharath Bommai, in Shiggaon, facing Congress candidate Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan.

In Sandur, BJP's Bangaru Hanumantha will compete against Congress's E Annapurna. Meanwhile, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, representing the BJP ally JD(S) in Channapatna, challenges Congress heavyweight C P Yogeeshwara. These elections test the Congress government, currently under scrutiny due to a scam investigation involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

(With inputs from agencies.)