Kumar Bahukhandi
Davanagere (Karnataka ): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday April3, 2026 defended the Congress party’s decision to field family members of two deceased MLAs in Assembly by-elections, asserting that the move follows established political practice.
Addressing criticism from the BJP over alleged dynastic politics, he said the party had followed a “common practice” in selecting candidates for the upcoming bypolls in the state.
The bypolls were necessitated by the demise of sitting Congress MLAs Shamanur Shivashankarappa and H Y Meti, who represented the Davanagere South and Bagalkote constituencies, respectively.
The ruling Congress has fielded Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Shamanur, son of Karnataka Minister S S Mallikarjun, in Davanagere, and Umesh Meti in Bagalkote. They will face BJP’s T Dasakariyappa in Davanagere South and Veerabhadrayya Charantimath in Bagalkote.
“It is a common practice that when a leader passes away, a family member is allowed to represent that constituency. The Congress party has followed this practice here as well,” Siddaramaiah told PTI Videos.
The CM expressed confidence in a clean sweep in the by-elections scheduled for April 9. “In both constituencies, we are confident of winning 100 per cent,” he said.
On minority voters, amid reported displeasure over not fielding candidates from their community, Siddaramaiah asserted that the Congress continues to enjoy their support.
“Minorities have always supported the Congress party. They are unlikely to support independents or the BJP. Since independence, they have stood with Congress, and this election is no different,” he said.
Commenting on elections in other states, he said opposition parties are likely to perform strongly in several regions.
“In Assam and other states, opposition parties are likely to perform well. The BJP will not win everywhere. In the South, the main contest is between Congress and the BJP,” he said.
He added that in West Bengal, the ruling party will retain power; in Tamil Nadu, the DMK will win; and in Kerala, the UDF is likely to emerge victorious.
Defending the Congress government’s guarantee schemes (‘Shakti’, ‘Gruha Lakshmi’, ‘Gruha Jyoti’, ‘Yuva Nidhi’ and ‘Anna Bhagya’), Siddaramaiah described them as “social investments” rooted in an alternative economic philosophy.
“There are two economic approaches—the trickle-down theory and the universal basic income approach. The BJP follows the trickle-down theory, while Congress believes in strengthening the lower sections of society through direct support,” he said.
Rejecting criticism over capital spending, he said allocations had increased steadily.
“Last year, it was around Rs 73,200 crore, and this year, it is about Rs 84,000 crore. Allegations that we are not spending on capital projects are false,” he said.
On state finances, the CM said Karnataka is adhering to fiscal discipline norms despite revenue constraints.
“We are managing within the limits set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act—maintaining the deficit within 3 per cent of GDP and keeping total liabilities within prescribed limits. However, reduced tax shares from Finance Commissions and changes in GST have impacted revenues,” he said.
Addressing concerns over a global oil crisis, Siddaramaiah placed responsibility on the union government.
“It is the duty of the Government of India to resolve the oil crisis,” he said, adding that the Centre’s retention of cess and surcharge revenues constrains states.
Referring to fuel pricing, he drew a comparison with 2014, saying petrol and diesel were priced at around Rs 60-70 per litre when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister.
On the language policy row, he denied allegations that the government is anti-Hindi.
“We are not anti-Hindi. It should not be enforced on students. Whoever wants to learn Hindi can do so,” he said, adding that the government had removed compulsory requirements in SSLC examinations without restricting learning.
Backing women’s reservation, Siddaramaiah credited the Congress with advancing the policy framework. “It was Rajiv Gandhi who brought an amendment to the Indian Constitution providing reservation for women,” he said, adding that the party supports extending reservations to legislatures.
On concerns over delimitation and representation of southern states, he said fairness must be ensured. “There should be no injustice, whether in North India or South India,” he added.
Dismissing speculation of a “leadership tussle” within the Congress, Siddaramaiah said the party’s position is clear. “Rahul Gandhi is the leader. Therefore, the question of a rift does not arise,” he said.
On internal party meetings and leadership issues in Karnataka, he said there was “nothing unusual”.
“There is nothing wrong if a dinner meeting takes place,” he said.
Siddaramaiah added that disciplinary action would apply only if party directions were violated.
There was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister’s post after the declaration of the Assembly election results in May 2023, and the Congress managed to persuade the latter to accept the position of deputy CM.
On the issue of “power-sharing”, he said, “The high command will take a decision.”
There were also reports at the time that a compromise had been reached based on a “rotational chief minister formula”, under which Shivakumar would become CM after two-and-a-half years. However, this has not been officially confirmed by the party.
(Source-PTI)
