Haveri
Preparations for the by-election in Shigaon Assembly Constituency have been made by the Congress. Minister Ishwara Khandre, appointed as the in-charge of the by-election, convened a meeting of workers and leaders on Friday. District in-charge minister Shivananda Patil, Vidhan Parishad chief whip Salim Ahmed, and local MLAs attended the meeting held at Hanumantha Gowda Patil Kalyana Mandapam in the city.
Before the meeting, supporters of ticket aspirants Ajjampir Qadri and Yasir Khan Pathan engaged in a heated altercation. Ajjampir Qadri’s supporters insisted on his candidacy, emphasizing preference for locals. Similarly, supporters of Yasir Khan Pathan, a previous candidate, demanded his nomination. Former minister R. Shankar and his supporters also arrived, advocating for their ticket consideration with spirited enthusiasm.
During the meeting, tensions persisted among Qadri and Pathan supporters, causing discomfort for Ministers Ishwara Khandre and Shivananda Patil upon their arrival. They urged the workers to maintain calm. The aspirants were seated and a subsequent meeting was held. Ishwara Khandre and Sivananda Patil expressed confidence in Congress’ victory in the by-elections. AICC State Secretary Mayura Jayakumar encouraged diligent efforts from the workers for Congress’ success.
Ishwara Khandre, Mayura Jayakumar, and other leaders separately met with aspirants. Later, Ishwara Khandre addressed the media, noting that 12 to 13 aspirants have applied for the Shiggaon by-election. He highlighted that the final candidate selection will be made by CM Siddaramaiah, KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar, and the Congress high command.
