One of the interesting poll battles in north Karnataka — in Bagalkot Lok Sabha constituency — is also being seen as a test of popularity for the former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Congress nominee Veena Kashappanavar, a former zilla panchayat president and wife of the former legislator Vijayanand Kashappanavar, is challenging three-time BJP MP P.C. Of the eight Assembly segments, the BJP has six and the Congress, two, including Badami represented by the former Chief Minister. Local Congress leaders believe that fielding a young woman is also a plus in their favour. Upset with the Congress decision to favour Panchamsalis, Raddi leaders have been openly campaigning against the party while the former Deputy Chief Minister K.S.

Source: The Hindu April 21, 2019 19:01 UTC