Channapatna By-Election Battle: Yogeeshwar or Nikhil Kumaraswamy -- Who will voters choose?

Ramanagara: The high-stakes by-election in Channapatna, which has captured Karnataka’s attention over the past few months, is approaching its climax. Leaders from both the NDA and Congress are in a heated campaign, each aiming for victory in this crucial constituency. On one side stands a seasoned soldier, while on the other, a dynamic Jaguar – both vying for the finishing line.

A battalion of political heavyweights, including former Prime Ministers, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and state ministers, has hit the Channapatna campaign trail, raising the stakes. For both HD Kumaraswamy (HDK) and DK Shivakumar (DKS), winning this Vokkaliga stronghold is a matter of pride and political significance. While Congress seeks to push JDS out of the district, JDS aims to secure its hold and respond to the Shivakumar brothers with a strong showing.

In an unprecedented scenario, 31 candidates are contesting this election, with two ballot boxes being deployed for the first time in the history of Channapatna.

Yogeeshwar and Nikhil Face Off for the Third Time

Two-time loser C.P. Yogeeshwar, now with Congress, is once again contesting from Channapatna, while Nikhil Kumaraswamy of the NDA makes his third attempt at electoral success. Alongside them, 30 other candidates are in the fray. This election not only represents Nikhil’s formal political entry but also serves as a make-or-break situation for Yogeeshwar, intensifying the rivalry between the two parties.

Tears, Water, and Local Issues Dominate Campaign Themes

This election cycle has seen key local issues, such as water projects, development work, smart cards, and the topic of “outsiders versus locals,” take center stage. Channapatna’s irrigation project, a significant issue across the state, has become a point of contention, with parties sparring over who should receive credit for its completion.

Adding to the campaign’s emotional appeal, Nikhil was seen shedding tears during his campaign, which sparked widespread debate. Congress leaders ridiculed him, suggesting he was compensating for a lack of development with emotional appeals, while HD Deve Gowda and HD Kumaraswamy dismissed such criticisms as baseless.

The AHINDA Vote Bank and Caste Dynamics at Play

With victory in mind, political parties have ramped up their caste-based appeals. Despite the Vokkaligas being the dominant group, AHINDA (a social coalition of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) and other communities hold significant influence. For JDS, the Vokkaligas represent a reliable vote bank, while Congress banks on AHINDA votes. Recently, Congress has also been attempting to make inroads into the Vokkaliga vote base.

Candidate Profiles:

Nikhil Kumaraswamy – JDS Candidate

• Experienced defeat in both Mandya Lok Sabha and Ramanagara Assembly elections
• Carries the legacy of his grandfather, former PM HD Deve Gowda, and father HD Kumaraswamy, credited for development in Channapatna
• JDS-BJP workers united in supporting him
• Backed by JDS-BJP leadership and appeals to the Vokkaliga vote bank

C.P. Yogeeshwar – Congress Candidate

• Sympathy following two previous defeats in Channapatna
• Five-time MLA with a track record of developmental work
• Recognized for bringing irrigation schemes to Channapatna
• Expected to secure traditional votes as a Congress candidate
• Backed by DCM DK Shivakumar and his brother DK Suresh, along with Congress stalwarts

As the clock ticks down, the Channapatna by-election has shaped up into a fierce battle where political pride, legacy, and survival are at stake. Both the NDA and Congress are leaving no stone unturned, each hoping their candidate will emerge victorious in what has become one of the most hotly contested elections in recent memory.