‘Channapatna Will Bless Me’: Nikhil Kumaraswamy Expresses Confidence As By-Polls Underway

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy, vying for the Channapatna seat in the ongoing by-polls, expressed confidence on Wednesday, stating that the youth are supporting him and he is certain the people of Channapatna will bless him.

The by-elections for Shiggaon, Sandur, and Channapatna seats in Karnataka are underway today, with the results for these constituencies set to be announced on November 23. The seats became vacant following the resignation of the respective candidates.

Speaking to ANI, Nikhil Kumaraswamy said, "For the last 18 days, the people of Channapatna have given me their confidence. I am certain that the efforts of HD Deve Gowda and HD Kumaraswamy will contribute to my victory. The youth are with me, and I'm confident the people of Channapatna will bless me."

Nikhil Kumaraswamy, also the JD(S) State Youth Unit President, is up against CP Yogeshwara, who recently resigned from the BJP and joined Congress.

In the 2018 and 2023 assembly elections, HD Kumaraswamy (HDK) defeated Yogeshwara in this very seat. The seat became vacant after HDK won the Mandya parliamentary seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

As of 9 a.m., Channapatna recorded a voter turnout of 10.34%, according to Election Commission data. Shiggaon and Sandur registered 10.8% and 10.11% turnout, respectively.

The by-elections are also taking place in 31 assembly seats across 10 states, including the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala.

Extensive security measures have been put in place for polling, which will continue until 5 p.m., with voting concluding at 4 p.m. in 950 sensitive booths spread across 31 constituencies. Over 200 companies of security personnel have been deployed at key locations to maintain peace and ensure a smooth electoral process.

The assembly by-elections include seven seats in Rajasthan, six in West Bengal, and five in Assam, among others. Polling will also be held for six assembly seats in West Bengal: Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai, and Madarihat, and five seats in Assam: Samaguri, Behali, Bongaigaon, Sidli, and Dholai.