NEW DELHI: Political tensions escalated in the run up to the Davangere South bypoll as Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar challenged leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party to substantiate their allegations of “suitcase politics” by filing a formal complaint.
Speaking to reporters in Davangere, Shivakumar questioned why former Chief Minister D. V. Sadananda Gowda had not taken legal action despite making public accusations. He remarked that if there was credible evidence behind the claims, a complaint should have already been filed instead of raising the issue during the election campaign.
Taking a swipe at Gowda’s remarks, Shivakumar asked whether the senior leader had come to the constituency to campaign or to speculate about the alleged controversy. He reiterated that the matter should be pursued legally if there was any proof rather than through public statements.
Responding to Gowda’s suggestion that BJP workers should try to secure a larger share of minority votes, Shivakumar reacted sarcastically, saying the opposition was free to win all the votes if they could. His comments came amid intensifying campaigning in the constituency ahead of the bypoll.
Shivakumar also dismissed an alleged audio clip circulating during the campaign which claimed that welfare guarantee schemes would be discontinued if the BJP returned to power. He described such claims as typical election time misinformation and said similar tactics often surface during campaign periods.
Earlier, Sadananda Gowda had accused the ruling Indian National Congress of contributing little to the development of Davangere South. He portrayed the bypoll as a contest between money power and grassroots leadership, arguing that voters in the constituency were politically aware and capable of making an informed choice.
The former Chief Minister also criticised the Congress for what he described as vote bank politics and appeasement. With both parties trading sharp accusations, the Davangere South bypoll has emerged as a closely watched political contest as campaigning gathers pace.
