The bypolls for Davanagere South and Bagalkot constituencies in Karnataka, set for April 9, 2024, highlight the challenges faced by both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These elections were necessitated by the deaths of Congress legislators Shamanur Shivashankarappa and H Y Meti. Historically, ruling parties in Karnataka have performed well in bypolls, but this time, both parties are grappling with internal issues. Congress's candidate in Davanagere South, Samarth Mallikarjun, grandson of the late Shivashankarappa, has drawn criticism for sidelining Muslim voters, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate. Meanwhile, the BJP's candidate, Srinivas T Dasakariyappa, is banking on consolidating votes from other communities amid concerns about the division of minority votes. In Bagalkot, Umesh Meti, son of the late H Y Meti, represents Congress, while the BJP has fielded Veeranna Charantimanth, a three-time MLA. The presence of expelled BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal as a campaigner has created tension within the party. The results of these bypolls will be counted on May 4, 2024.