Sun Nov 10 22:22:34 UTC 2024: ## By-elections in Karnataka Heat Up as Campaigns Draw to a Close

**Bengaluru, November 11, 2024:** The high-stakes by-elections for the Channapatna, Sandur, and Shiggaon Assembly constituencies in Karnataka are set to reach their climax today, November 11, 2024, as the public campaigning period comes to an end. The elections, scheduled for November 13, have been marked by intense campaigning from across the political spectrum, with the controversial issue of Wakf properties taking center stage in political debates.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have been leading the Congress campaign, focusing on a narrative of corruption against the BJP. They have been accusing the BJP of using money from excise sources for election campaigns in other states. Meanwhile, the BJP, led by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, has countered these allegations with charges of corruption against the Congress. They have questioned the timing of the release of an interim report by the John Michael D’Cunha commission, alleging it to be a ploy to divert attention from the Congress government’s alleged wrongdoings.

The JD(S), under the leadership of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, has been campaigning for its candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Channapatna. Gowda has accused the Congress of financial mismanagement and claimed the Gruha Lakshmi scheme will be withdrawn after the elections.

The by-elections are witnessing a fierce contest between the Congress, BJP, and JD(S). The final hours of campaigning are expected to be a whirlwind of activity, with top leaders from each party making a final push to secure votes in these crucial constituencies.

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