Kulkarni's fate hangs in balance: Parties gear up for rural bypoll

Dharwad,

Even as news spread that MLA Vinay Kulkarni could lose his Assembly membership after being convicted in the murder case of former Zilla Panchayat member Yogish Gowda Goudar, ticket aspirants from both the BJP and the Congress have begun lobbying to attract the attention of their party leadership. Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, if an MLA resigns, dies, or is disqualified, a by-election must be held within six months to fill the vacant seat. The elected candidate serves only for the remainder of the Assembly's term.

However, if less than one year of the term remains, the Election Commission has the discretion not to conduct a by-election. Since nearly two years remain in the current Assembly's tenure, aspirants are convinced that a by-election will be held. They have therefore become active, reaching out not only to voters but also to party high commands in an effort to strengthen their prospects. Vinay Kulkarni has already been sentenced in the case and has approached a higher court seeking a stay on the conviction.

If the court grants a stay, his Assembly membership could be restored, effectively ending the hopes of those eyeing the by-election. Despite this possibility, aspirants have not slowed down their political activity. If a by-election is announced, several leaders within the BJP are quietly positioning themselves as potential candidates. Former MLA Seema Masuti, former Mayor Iresh Anchatgeri, Savita Amarashetti, and former MLA Amrut Desai have reportedly been highlighting their achievements before the party leadership.

Meanwhile, another aspirant is said to be projecting his role in taking the Basavaraj Koravar murder case to its logical conclusion, hoping the party will consider his candidature. However, BJP leaders are reportedly not taking the by-election too seriously at this stage, given that only about two years remain in the Assembly's term. Party sources say there is also internal discussion about whether this could be an opportunity to field a fresh face.

Senior leaders from BJP requesting anonymity told News Trail, that serious discussion in the party about the possible contenders for the possible byelection and commenting on this issue is too early to say, they said. Former MLA Vinay Kulkarni belongs to the Lingayat Panchamasali community, and the Dharwad Rural Assembly constituency has a significant Lingayat voter base. Party leaders are said to believe that fielding a candidate from the Lingayat community could improve electoral prospects in the constituency.

However, it remains to be seen who will ultimately receive the party ticket if a by-election is held. Congress also sees internal activity Within the Congress, a large section of party workers and supporters has urged the leadership to nominate a member of Vinay Kulkarni's family if a by-election is necessitated. At the same time, a few other aspirants have reportedly met senior party leaders behind the scenes, seeking an opportunity for themselves.

Nevertheless, Congress leaders are said to be in no hurry, maintaining that they will consider the matter only after a by-election is officially announced, according to party sources. Speaking to News Trail, Congress leader Arvind Egangoudar said that Vinay Kulkarni has approached a higher court seeking a stay on his conviction. "The court has heard Kulkarni's arguments, while the CBI is yet to present its submissions. We are confident that Mr. Kulkarni will get relief, and the question of a by-election will not arise.

We have complete faith in the judicial system," he said. He further added that if a by-election does become necessary, Vinay Kulkarni's wife, Shivalila Kulkarni, would be the party's first choice as its candidate. To recall, in Vinay Kulkarni's absence, Shivalila Kulkarni has been managing the constituency. She is well known among the people and shares a good rapport with the voters.