HAVERI: The Congress achieved a historic milestone in Shiggaon, reclaiming the assembly seat after three decades. Party candidate Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan emerged victorious, defeating BJP's Bharath Bommai, son of Haveri MP and former CM Basavaraj Bommai, despite the latter's influential political lineage.
BJP's defeat is largely attributed to its factionalism and failure to consolidate its traditional Lingayat vote bank. Bommai senior's campaign strategy also faced heavy criticism for the lack of collaboration with party colleagues, which fragmented the support base, particularly within Lingayat and OBC groups.
BJP's challenges deepened as prominent leaders of the Panchamasali community distanced themselves from Basavaraj Bommai, opposing what they perceived as dynastic politics due to his preference for his son over others. His failure to address grievances and reconcile with dissenting BJP members and ticket aspirants further eroded the party's strength. In contrast, Congress functionaries, including Haveri district minister Shivanand Patil, skillfully tapped into the community's discontent, channelling it against the former CM.
The conspicuous absence of senior BJP and RSS functionaries from the campaign also contributed to the defeat. "BJP state president Vijayendra and party veteran BS Yediyurappa did not campaign here. They were the reason for BJP's loss," alleged senior MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal.
Shivanand Patil, a member of the Panchamasali Lingayat community, managed to dent BJP's traditional vote bank. At the same time, other Congress heavyweights, such as BZ Zameer Ahmed (Muslim) and Satish Jarkiholi (ST) rallied their communities behind the party.
Bommai, who had enjoyed consistent support from Lingayat, Kuruba, SC/ST and minority communities in previous elections, saw a significant shift this time. Minority votes rallied behind Congress, aided by CM Siddaramaiah's outreach. During campaigning, he had also made pointed remarks against Niranjanananda Puri Swami of the Kanaka Gurupeetha, a premier institution of the Kuruba community the CM belongs to. "If he (seer) chooses to support BJP, disregard his advice," Siddaramaiah had urged.
BJP's campaign focus on the waqf issue, labelling it 'land Jihad,' failed to resonate with non-minority voters.
Basavaraj Bommai and his son claimed Congress won through "money power." "The election was portrayed as 'Govt versus Bommai.' They won using govt machinery and money," the former CM said.
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