K’taka Congress Begins Bypoll Preparations in Hiriyur; CM Holds Strategy Talks with Minister

Bengaluru: The Congress has intensified preparations for the upcoming by-election to the Hiriyur Assembly constituency, with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar holding consultations with party leaders to formulate a strategy to retain the seat.

Minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare and Chitradurga district in-charge T. Raghumurthy met the Chief Minister at his residence in Sadashivanagar on Wednesday. During the meeting, Raghumurthy extended Diwali greetings and presented him with an autobiography of Sonia Gandhi. Congress leader N. Chandrappa was also present.

Sources said the leaders discussed the party’s preparations for the bypoll, with the Chief Minister reportedly stressing the need for unity among party leaders and workers, particularly amid the possibility of an NDA candidate entering the contest.

The Congress leadership is also understood to have directed party workers to highlight the state government’s welfare schemes and development programmes among voters.

The Hiriyur Assembly seat fell vacant following the death of former MLA D. Sudhakar. With the Election Commission expected to announce the by-election schedule soon, political activity in the constituency has begun gathering momentum.