Political Drama Unfolds in Channapatna By-election: C.P. Yogeshwar's Dilemma

As the Channapatna by-election approaches, the political landscape is heating up, particularly for C.P. Yogeshwar, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) and a prominent BJP candidate. In a recent interview, Yogeshwar expressed strong confidence that he would be nominated as the alliance candidate, yet he also acknowledged the increasing pressure from his supporters to contest independently if his hopes for the alliance ticket fade. “I will definitely contest, but we’ll have to wait and see whether it’s as an alliance candidate or an independent,” he stated.

With the likelihood of securing the alliance ticket appearing uncertain, the chatter surrounding Yogeshwar potentially running as a rebel candidate is gaining momentum. To solidify his next steps, he has convened a meeting with his supporters on Wednesday, October 16.

The backing from the BJP district unit for Yogeshwar has been unwavering. Recently, BJP district leaders urged the party’s higher-ups to grant him the ticket, signalling strong grassroots support. “Our party high command had advised our leaders, who were planning a ‘self-respect resolution meeting’, to stay quiet for a few days. This election is a question of their political survival. The constituency is a BJP stronghold, and public opinion is in favour of Yogeshwar,” a supporter shared.

The political stakes are high in Channapatna, a constituency seen as a BJP bastion. As the D.K. brothers from Congress closely monitor the situation, they have adopted a strategic wait-and-watch approach, keeping their candidate under wraps for now. Reports suggest that if Nikhil Kumaraswamy is finalised as the candidate from JD(S), Yogeshwar may indeed decide to run independently.

One of Yogeshwar’s supporters highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “Yogeshwar is the most suitable candidate to face the D.K. brothers who have set their sights on this constituency. That’s why we wanted to have a friendly fight, setting aside the alliance.”

Should Yogeshwar decide to run as an independent, the Congress party, led by D.K. Shivakumar, is reportedly considering various candidates, including Suresh, a former MLA, as a potential opponent. There is also speculation about the possibility of fielding a surprise local candidate to counter Nikhil effectively, especially in light of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

As the dynamics shift, several names are circulating within Congress as potential candidates for Channapatna. Alongside Suresh, former MLA M.C. Ashwath and Raghunandan Ramanna, President of the BMICPA, are under consideration, according to party sources. This uncertainty within the Congress ranks suggests a tactical approach, where the party aims to optimise its chances of winning against the BJP and JD(S) candidates.

The unfolding political drama in Channapatna highlights the complexities of electoral alliances and individual aspirations within the broader framework of party politics. As Yogeshwar navigates his options, the reactions of his supporters and the strategies of opposing parties will play crucial roles in shaping the outcome of the upcoming by-election.

With the election drawing closer, the situation remains fluid, and the actions taken by key players like Yogeshwar and the D.K. brothers will be pivotal in determining who ultimately secures the coveted seat in Channapatna.