lingayat

Congress narrowly retained the Davanagere South seat, with its victory margin significantly reduced due to minority unrest and internal dissent. A substantial split in minority votes, exacerbated by numerous Muslim candidates, contributed to the close contest. Despite challenges, women voters, particularly from minority communities, provided crucial support.

The Thally assembly seat, a Left stronghold, sees a heated contest. Incumbent CPI's Ramachandran faces challenges from BJP's Nagesh Kumar, who highlights a past murder case, and TVK's G Suresh, targeting young voters. Ramachandran, acquitted in the case, relies on his rural connect, while opponents focus on his legal history and promises of development.

The state has proposed a law that would protect consenting adults if they choose to get married from opposing family and community groups

Despite Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan's absence from the bypoll campaign, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar asserted the Congress party's strength lies in collective ideology, not individuals. He highlighted the party's inclusive outreach, while BJP patriarch BS Yediyurappa accused the Congress government of rampant corruption and misusing its majority.

A brutal honour killing of a pregnant teenager in Dharwad has spurred the government to enact a new law against such crimes. Manya Vivekananda Doddamani, who married outside her caste, was allegedly murdered by her family. Her husband welcomed the legislation, hoping it will protect couples facing similar opposition and ensure swift justice.

A wave of alleged honor killings across India sees families brutally murdering young couples who defy caste, interfaith, or societal norms. From UP's Moradabad to Gujarat's Rajkot, lovers are lured, attacked, and disposed of, highlighting a grim clash between personal choice and entrenched traditions. These premeditated acts underscore a disturbing national pattern.

The Congress party has continued its tradition of family-oriented politics in Karnataka by fielding Samarth Mallikarjun and Umesh Meyti in the upcoming Davangere and Bagalkot byelections, respectively. These decisions were made following the demise of senior party leaders Shamanur Shivashankarappa and H Y Meyti, prioritizing family legacy over other community demands.