Congress candidate Samarth Shamanur Mallikarjun collects the election certificate from the polling officer in Davangere on Monday.
While the ruling Congress candidate and Lingayat strongman Shamanur Shivashankarappa grandson and son of minister SS Mallikarjun Samarth Shamanur Mallikarjun managed to retain the family bastion of Davangere South Constitution in the by-election, the reduced margin would make the party ponder the reasons in the coming days.
The persistent demand for Muslim representation in Davangere South, coupled with the Shamanur family’s insistence on a ticket, led to the Congress taking more time to finalize the candidate list. While the pre-election and post-election uprisings were ongoing, disciplinary proceedings took place against several Muslim leaders for alleged anti-party activities. Chief Minister Siddaramiah sacked his political secretary Naseer Ahmed and KPCC president DK Shivakumar suspended the primary membership of MLC Abdul Jabbar.
Published – 04 May 2026 20:11 IST
