Siddaramaiah, Vijayendra Lead Rival Bagalkot Bypoll Campaigns

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and state BJP president BY Vijayendra led rival campaigns on Monday in the Bagalkot Assembly constituency, intensifying efforts ahead of the bypoll scheduled for April 9. The election, triggered by the death of sitting Congress MLA H.Y. Meti last year, pits Meti's son Umesh Meti against BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath in a contest seen as a key test of the state government's popularity.

Siddaramaiah, addressing gatherings in villages including Sutagunda, Rampura, Bevura, and Nayanegali, made an emotional appeal for votes for Umesh Meti, framing the election as a tribute to his late father. "Only then will the soul of H.Y. Meti rest in peace," he said, crediting Meti with pushing for a medical college in Bagalkot. The chief minister, accompanied by ministers such as R.B. Timmapur, Byrathi Suresh, and Shivanand Patil, along with party MLAs, highlighted his government's initiatives. He noted that the foundation for the medical college had been laid at Meti's insistence and promised a superspeciality hospital and trauma center. Siddaramaiah also outlined compensation for land affected by the Almatti Dam project, committing Rs 40 lakh per...