Fri Nov 08 02:03:00 UTC 2024: ## Vokkaliga Politics Takes Center Stage in Channapatna By-Election

**Channapatna, Karnataka, November 08, 2024:** The Channapatna Assembly by-election has become a high-stakes battleground, attracting statewide attention and potentially influencing the Vokkaliga-dominated politics in the region. The contest pits film actors-turned-politicians against each other, each vying for a crucial victory.

On one side, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar leads the Congress campaign, seeking to avenge his brother’s defeat in the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency. His opponent, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, seeks to consolidate his position among the Vokkaligas and revive his son’s political fortunes.

Adding another layer of complexity, veteran politician C.P. Yogeshwar, a five-time legislator and political heavyweight in the district, recently switched from the BJP to the Congress. He faces off against Nikhil Kumaraswamy, contesting his third election after losing both the Mandya Lok Sabha and Ramanagara Assembly races.

While issues like lack of employment opportunities and pending development projects are present, the by-election is largely driven by political and individual achievements. The JD(S) claims credit for the Iggalur barrage, while Yogeshwar takes credit for filling 17 tanks using its water.

The contest is expected to be close, with pollsters predicting a high voter turnout exceeding 85%. The JD(S) relies on its Vokkaliga base and seeks to attract backward class and Muslim voters. The Congress, aiming to wrest the seat, hopes to consolidate Muslim and backward-class votes and capitalize on a split in the Vokkaliga vote.

The by-election has stirred up local politics, with Yogeshwar’s switch to the Congress changing equations in his stronghold villages. While the JD(S) and BJP criticize Yogeshwar’s party-hopping history, his supporters counter by pointing out Nikhil Kumaraswamy’s own constituency changes.

The outcome of this by-election could have significant implications for the political landscape of the region, especially given the prominent figures involved and the diverse voter base. The battle for Channapatna is set to be intense and closely watched.

Read More