Karnataka elections 2023: Congress doles out tickets to Kusumavati Shivalli, NH Konaraddi

HUBBALLI: Congress finalised its candidates for Kundagol and Navalgund constituencies in Dharwad district in its third list on Friday.
In Kundagol, Kusumavati Shivalli is running again. In Navalgund, NH Konaraddi, who joined the party from the JD(S) about six months ago, got a ticket.
Congress candidates may face rebels in their constituencies. With over 16 candidates vying for a ticket in Kundagol, Congress had difficulty selecting a suitable candidate. After winning the election, all ticket aspirants complained that Kusumavati Shivalli failed to take them into confidence. Therefore, all 16 to 17 aspirants pressured the party's high command not to give a ticket to Kusumavati. They also threatened the party that there will be more than one rebel candidate in the fray.
The party deputed Basavaraj Rayaraddi to resolve the issue. Aspirants demanded that Kusumavati not be chosen. The Prajadwani event was not organised in Kundagol due to these increasing differences. Congress delayed the ticket announcement for Kundgol. All aspirants warned that they would field one among them against the Congress candidate if their demand is ignored. Now, Congress has ignored aspirant candidates' warnings by announcing a ticket for Kusumvati Shivalli. This may lead to rebellion activities.
After the untimely demise of former minister and MLA CS Shivalli, his wife Kusumavati won the by-election in 2019.
In Navalgund constituency, more than six aspirants were in the race - Vinod Asuti, NH Konaraddi, Shivanand Karigar and others. Vinod Asuti, who unsuccessfully contested the 2018 assembly election, lobbied hard to get a ticket. However, he failed after former MLA NH Konaraddi joined the party from JD(S). Konaraddi, who is close to Siddaramaiah, managed to get a ticket. Asuti's supporters also protested two days ago seeking a ticket.
Shivanand Karigar, Dharwad ZP vice president and senior Congress functionary resigned from the post of district president of the Congress campaign committee. He decided to contest as a rebel candidate in Navalgund. Asuti is said to be in touch with his supporters to make his next political move. It will be difficult for Kusumavati and Konaraddi as they face stiff opposition from rebels.
However, Congress has not finalised any candidate for Hubballi Central constituency. Rumours say former CM Jagadish Shettar may join Congress and contest.