The Congress has finalized its candidates for two assembly by-elections in Karnataka, choosing Umesh Meti for Bagalkot and Samarth Mallikarjun for Davangere South.
The contests were necessitated by the deaths of sitting legislators H Y Meti and Shamanur Shivashankarappa, both influential figures in their regions.
According to sources, the party opted to nominate members of the bereaved families, a move that followed negotiations across factions and communities.
Senior leaders described the decision as the outcome of consultations involving top state leaders and minority representatives.
The choice in Davangere South came after objections from sections of the Muslim community, which argued for representation based on its voter strength.
Party leaders said assurances were offered regarding future nominations to the legislative council and Rajya Sabha to address these concerns.
The by-polls are being viewed as an early indicator of political trends ahead of future elections.
Observers point out that neither constituency is witnessing a pronounced sympathy wave despite the recent deaths of the incumbents, both of whom had longstanding political careers and passed away due to age-related causes.
