Sun Nov 24 01:31:00 UTC 2024: ## Congress Sweeps Karnataka By-Elections, Bolstering Siddaramaiah’s Government

**Bengaluru, November 24, 2024** – The Indian National Congress secured a resounding victory in three Karnataka Assembly by-elections, significantly boosting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s image and strengthening his government’s position. The wins in Channapatna, Shiggaon, and Sandur are seen as a strong endorsement of the Congress’s five guarantee schemes, despite opposition criticism.

The BJP and JD(S) had heavily criticized the ₹56,000 crore annual allocation for these schemes, alleging that funds were being diverted from development projects. However, the by-election results appear to contradict this claim. While the guarantees didn’t significantly impact the Lok Sabha elections, Congress leaders believe they will prove more effective in upcoming local body elections.

The victories provide a much-needed morale boost for Siddaramaiah, who faces investigations into alleged land irregularities and embezzlement. He described the wins as a victory in the “people’s court.” The results also strengthen his position within the party, particularly given the Congress’s recent losses in Maharashtra. Siddaramaiah is expected to leverage this success to increase his pressure on the central government regarding delayed or denied funds for state projects.

The Channapatna win marks a significant comeback for C.P. Yogeshwar, a film actor-turned-politician, who rejoined Congress after defeats against JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy. The victory also enhances Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s standing in the Vokkaliga belt. Shivakumar is expected to use this influence to negotiate a key position for his brother within the party.

The Congress is also anticipated to undertake a Cabinet reshuffle, potentially removing underperforming ministers to accommodate new faces.

Read More