Bypolls to Bagalkot, Davanagere South on April 9; Counting on May 4

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, March 15, 2026: The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced that by-elections to two Assembly constituencies in Karnataka — Bagalkot and Davanagere South — will be held on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced the schedule at a press conference in New Delhi. The bypolls are part of a wider round of Assembly by-elections across several states, though the contest in Karnataka will be limited to these two constituencies.

As per the schedule, the official notification will be issued on March 16, while the last date for filing nominations is March 24. Scrutiny of nominations will follow as per election rules, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until March 26.

The bypolls were necessitated following the deaths of the sitting legislators. The Bagalkot Assembly seat fell vacant after the demise of senior Congress leader H. Y. Meti, while the Davanagere South constituency became vacant following the death of veteran politician Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

Ticket race gathers momentum
The announcement has intensified political activity in both constituencies, particularly in Davanagere South, where ticket distribution has become a challenge for major parties.

Several aspirants from the Bharatiya Janata Party — including B.G. Ajaykumar, Yashwanthrao Jadhav, Srinivas Dasakariyappa, Rajanahalli Shivakumar and Devaramane Shivakumar — addressed a joint press conference and said they would support whoever is chosen as the party candidate.

In the Indian National Congress, leaders from the Muslim community have demanded representation in Davanagere South. At the same time, members of the family of the late Shamanur Shivashankarappa have expressed their desire to retain the ticket within the family.

Among the aspirants is Mohammed Khalid, son of district Muslim leader and AICC Youth Wing secretary Syed Saifulla, who recently organised a large iftar gathering while seeking support for his candidature.

Samarth Shamanur, son of minister S. S. Mallikarjun, is also in the race for the Congress ticket and his presence at the iftar event has drawn attention within party circles.

In Bagalkot too, multiple aspirants from different parties are vying for tickets, with final candidates expected to be announced soon as the election process moves ahead.