Chief Minister Siddarmaiah was speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Saturday. | Photo credit: MA Sriram
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday expressed confidence that the Congress will win the by-elections to Davangere South and Bagalkot constituencies to be held next month.
“The party will retain both the seats. The rebellion against the party’s official candidate in Davangere has been quelled, the rebel candidate Sadiq Pahilwan has withdrawn from the race,” he told reporters at the Mysuru airport.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said he would campaign for the party’s candidates in Bagalkot on March 30 and 31 and in Davangere on April 1 and 2.
They will return to Bagalkot on 3rd and 4th April, before leaving for Kerala on 5th April. “I will either campaign in Davangere or Bagalkot on April 6,” he added.
Asked if the by-election results would be seen as a verdict on the Congress government in the state, he said the party would “definitely win the polls” and remain victorious in the 2028 assembly elections as well.
He made it clear that the leadership issue and the by-election results are not and should not be. The Prime Minister reiterated that he will present the next state budget if the party high command allows it.
Regarding the third language policy, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that the third language marks in SSLC have been removed and will no longer count towards the final result.
“Out of the 625 marks, 100 marks allotted for the third language paper have been excluded. It is no longer mandatory and will come into force from this year,” he added.
Responding to criticism of the move, he said it was natural to have different views, but the government had already taken a decision. He clarified that the policy was not aimed at opposing Hindi, adding that the government was not against learning any language but did not want it to be compulsory. “A third language wasn’t compulsory when I was at school, so I didn’t learn it,” he noted.
At a major drug bust near Hunsur, he said he would speak to the Mysuru district police about the raid and reiterated the government’s commitment to make Karnataka a “drug-free” state. “Those found guilty will be punished, regardless of their bonds,” he replied.
On concerns over the “unscientific” installation of traffic signals in Mysuru, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the police had taken a step to streamline traffic and prevent accidents. “If it causes public inconvenience, it will be re-examined,” he added.
On the issue of IPL tickets being given to MLAs, he remarked, “Whoever wants to go can go. Earlier one ticket was given, now two tickets are being provided. If any MLA is not interested in taking the tickets, they don’t have to.”
Minister in-charge of Mysuru district HC Mahadevappa was present.
Published – 28 March 2026 20:19 IST
