Sandur Bypoll: Congress To Field Annapurna, Wife Of Ballari MP Tukaram

The ruling Congress in Karnataka is likely to field Annapurna, wife of Ballari MP E. Tukaram, as its candidate for the upcoming by-election from the Sandur (ST) constituency.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed the decision while speaking to reporters in Mysuru, stating, "The Sandur candidate has been decided, and we will give the ticket to Tukaram's wife. However, the candidates for Shiggaon and Channapatna will be finalized soon." An official announcement regarding the candidates for all three constituencies is expected in the next couple of days.

Tukaram recently met with Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to discuss Annapurna's potential candidacy.

Regarding the Channapatna constituency, Siddaramaiah revealed that D.K. Suresh, Shivakumar's brother and former Congress MP for Bengaluru Rural, is a contender. Shivakumar also mentioned there has been pressure to field Suresh in Channapatna.

When questioned about former Minister C.P. Yogeshwar's possible entry into Congress, Siddaramaiah welcomed anyone who aligns with the party's principles but stated he had not yet spoken with Yogeshwar directly.

The Chief Minister affirmed that Congress is fully prepared for the November 13 by-elections in the three Assembly segments.