"Thousands joining across party lines, Minorities backing Congress": DK Shivakumar signals big win in Davanagere

"I am very happy. In Davangere, cutting across party lines, thousands of workers have joined the Congress party today. All the minorities have decided that they will vote in favour of the Congress party, and even other sections have also decided. The contribution of Shamanur Shivashankarappa has been recognised, and they want to pay him respect," Shivakumar said.

Praising Shivashankarappa's long-standing role in the region, he added, "For the last 50 years, he has protected Davanagere, built Davanagere. He has helped every section of society, and the Congress party's guarantees have reached every house... I never expected such unity would have emerged. I am very happy."

Highlighting the party's organisational strength, Shivakumar further said, "As soon as we came, I could see from the morning, we are very proud that the Congress party has been so well-organised, well-planned, and I thank all sections of the society. They are standing behind the Congress party, and the party will win hands down, higher than what Shivashankarappa had won this election."

During his visit, the Deputy CM also conducted discussions with party leaders and workers regarding election strategy and preparations in the constituency.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) earlier announced the schedule for by-elections across eight assembly constituencies in six states.

The constituencies include Bagalkote and Davanagere South (Karnataka), Rahuri and Baramati (Maharashtra), Dharmanagar (Tripura), Koridang (Nagaland), Ponda (Goa), and Umreth (Gujarat).

Polling in the constituencies of Karnataka, Goa, Nagaland, and Tripura will be held on April 9, while the bypoll in assembly constituencies of Gujarat and Maharashtra will be conducted on April 23.

After polling, the counting of votes will take place on May 4, and the results will be declared the same day. (ANI)