Karnataka Bypolls 2026: Voting Underway For Bypolls in Bagalkot and Davanagere South of Karnataka

Voting is underway in the Davanagere South and Bagalkot Assembly constituencies in Karnataka on Thursday, April 9, 2026, with polling that began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. Early visuals from both constituencies showed voters turning up in steady numbers, with queues forming outside polling booths, particularly in Davanagere South.

In Bagalkot, polling also witnessed a brisk start, with Naveen Charantimath, son of BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath, among the early voters. Authorities have made extensive arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful voting, deploying over 2,500 police personnel across the two constituencies.

A total of 34 candidates are in the fray, with both seats witnessing a direct contest between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is also in the race and is hoping to gain from the intense bipolar contest. The results of the bypolls will be declared on May 4.

Bagalkot Sees Straight Fight

In the Bagalkot Assembly segment, there are around 2.59 lakh voters, including approximately 1.26 lakh men and 1.32 lakh women. A total of 332 polling stations have been set up to facilitate voting, with over 1,500 polling staff and additional security personnel deployed.

The key contest here is between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP's Veeranna Charantimath. The by-election was necessitated following the death of Congress MLA H.Y. Meti, making this a crucial seat for both parties.

Davanagere South: High Stakes, Heavy Security

The Davanagere South constituency has about 2.31 lakh voters and 25 candidates contesting. Authorities have set up 284 polling stations, of which 76 have been identified as sensitive, prompting enhanced security measures. Prohibitory orders have been imposed within a 200-metre radius of polling booths to maintain law and order.

The main contest is between Congress candidate Samarth Mallikarjun and BJP nominee Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa, while Afsar Kodlipet represents the SDPI. This bypoll was triggered by the demise of senior Congress leader and MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

Leaders Urge Voters to Turn Out

BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra urged voters to participate in large numbers, emphasising that every vote is crucial for strengthening democracy and shaping the future of the constituencies. He made a special appeal to women and first-time voters to exercise their franchise.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also called on voters to support Congress candidates, highlighting the legacy of senior leaders and the importance of ensuring continuity in development through these by-elections.

With a direct Congress-BJP contest and high voter interest, both constituencies are expected to witness keen competition. The outcome of these by-elections, scheduled to be announced on May 4, will be closely watched for their political significance in Karnataka.