With the withdrawal deadline closing in for the third phase of Karnataka's Lok Sabha elections, the BJP faced a shakeup as Dingaleshwar Mahaswamigalu withdrew his candidacy from the Dharwad constituency while party rebel K S Eshwarappa and Congress ticket aspirant G B Vinay Kumar remained in the race for Shimoga and Davangere. A total of 227 candidates are now in the fray for the 14 seats in northern Karnataka, with cash and valuables worth Rs 3.34 crore being seized in the past 24 hours alone. The number of FIRs filed by election officials has reached 2016, with six candidates remaining in the by-election for the Shorapur Assembly segment.
Karnataka's third phase of Lok Sabha elections witnessed a major development on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, with the withdrawal of BJP's Dingaleshwar Mahaswamigalu from the Dharwad constituency. This move came just hours before the deadline for withdrawing nominations.
Key Takeaways:
Background:
Karnataka's Lok Sabha elections are being held in three phases. The first phase of polling took place on April 18, while the second phase was held on April 23. The third and final phase will take place on April 28.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q1: Why did Dingaleshwar Mahaswamigalu withdraw his candidacy? A1: Mahaswamigalu did not disclose the exact reason for his withdrawal. However, it is speculated that he may have faced pressure from within the BJP or from other political parties.
Q2: Who are the key candidates in the Dharwad constituency now that Mahaswamigalu has withdrawn? A2: The key candidates in the Dharwad constituency are now Pradeep Shettar of the BJP, Vinay Kulkarni of the Congress, and Ningappa Koppikar of the JD(S).
Q3: What is the significance of the seizure of cash and valuables during the election campaign? A3: The seizure of cash and valuables suggests that there may be attempts to influence voters using money power. It also highlights the importance of vigilant enforcement of election laws.
Q4: Why is the Shimoga constituency considered a key battleground? A4: The Shimoga constituency is considered a key battleground because it is the hometown of Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa. It is also a stronghold of the BJP, which has held the seat for the past several elections.
Q5: What is the current status of the Shorapur Assembly segment by-election? A5: Six candidates are currently in the fray for the Shorapur Assembly segment by-election, including Rajashekar B. Patil of the BJP and Narasimha Nayak of the Congress. The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of MLA H. Y. Meti.
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