Congress Reunites with Rebel Candidate, Aims for Victory in Davanagere South

In a key move ahead of the Davanagere South Assembly by-election, the Karnataka Congress successfully persuaded rebel candidate Sadiq Pylwan to support the party’s official nominee, Samarth Mallikarjun, grandson of veteran leader late Shamanur Shivashankarappa. Although Pylwan’s nomination deadline had passed on March 26, meaning his name remains on the ballot, he has pledged to work for Congress during the campaign.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar led the reconciliation efforts, inviting Pylwan to his official residence in Kumara Park, Bengaluru, along with party leaders MLA Rizwan Arshad and Legislative Council Chief Whip Saleem Ahmed. Following discussions, Pylwan met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha with his supporters and agreed to back the party’s candidate.

Speaking to the media, Shivakumar noted that Pylwan had initially been dissatisfied over the ticket being given to Samarth Mallikarjun. “Rizwan and Saleem worked under the directions of the Chief Minister and myself. They managed to pacify him. His only concern now is to ensure the victory of the Congress party,” he said, emphasizing the party’s efforts to maintain unity and protect long-term relationships with senior members and their families.

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MLA Rizwan Arshad added that Pylwan’s longstanding association with the Congress party was a key factor in resolving the issue. “He shares a 40-year relationship with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. We have ensured that under no circumstances should the BJP benefit from internal dissent,” he said. Initial attempts to persuade Pylwan at his residence had been unsuccessful, but the leadership’s intervention eventually brought him on board.

The by-election carries strategic importance for both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, as Davanagere South has been a Congress stronghold since 2008 under late Shamanur Shivashankarappa. While Congress fields young Samarth Mallikarjun, the BJP has nominated Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa, a grassroots leader from the Scheduled Tribe community, who is considered a potential dark horse. The contest has drawn attention amid criticism of Congress for opting for a political dynasty, particularly from Muslim and progressive groups.

With internal dissent addressed, Congress hopes to consolidate support and secure a victory in the constituency, while the BJP seeks to make inroads in a seat historically dominated by the party. Both sides are now gearing up for a high-stakes campaign in the lead-up to polling.

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