Activities gather pace across the political spectrum as Hiriyur poll date announcement nears

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar unveiling the statue of Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda at Chitradurga on Tuesday. | Photo credit: special arrangement

With the date of polling for the Hiriyur Assembly constituency in Chitradurga district expected to be announced soon, political activity has picked up steam across the political spectrum. The election poll necessitated the exit of former minister D. Sudhakar.

While Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was in Hiriyur on Tuesday to launch several development projects, the partners of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) met here separately for talks. The Congress is expected to name Suhas Sudhakar, son of the late leader, as its candidate. The chief minister told reporters that he had commissioned four polls for the constituency, which showed that the Congress had the support of 72% voters based on the development work that had begun. He also promised to take up the issue of reservation under the Scheduled Tribes category for the Golla and Kadu Golla communities, which form a significant part of the electorate. “The Center rejected the proposal four to five times. A solution would be found after discussion with legal experts.”

BJP forms committee

The BJP has set up a 12-member leaders-in-charge committee for the bypolls, and Janata Dal (Secular) leader and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy have met leaders from Hiryur and neighboring constituencies to seek their views. Those named as part of the BJP committee include former ministers CT Ravi, Govind Karjol.

Mr. Kumaraswamy urged the workers to remain united and strengthen the party base while warning them not to discuss the ticket issue publicly and that the matter would be discussed by both parties in the coordination committee meeting. BJP state president BY Vijayendra had earlier also announced that leaders of both the parties would hold discussions before announcing the candidate.

JD(S) make a pitch

It is learned that the JD(S), which enjoys considerable support in Hiriyur as well as neighboring constituencies, would make a strong case for its party leader to emerge as a candidate. On Tuesday, Mr. Kumaraswamy met leaders from Hiriyur and neighboring taluks of Chitradurga and Challakere in Chitradurga district and Pavagada and Sira in Tumakuru district.

A party source said that voters from these neighboring taluks will have a profound impact on the Hiriyur elections. “Families between the Yadavas, Kurubas, Naiks and Kunchitiga communities in these five taluks have a unique cultural bond forged through marriage. The selection of the candidate must be done carefully,” the source added.

Published – 03 Nov 2026 23:29 IST