Karnataka: Shiv Sena (UBT) extends support to Cong in Chikkodi LS seat

As the polling day of May 7 approaches, the political battle for the Chikkodi parliamentary constituency is intensifying, with both the Congress and BJP sparing no effort to woo voters.

In a significant development on Tuesday, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) announced its support for Congress candidate Priyanka Jarkiholi in the upcoming election. The constituency, which comprises eight assembly segments, is strategically located on the state border with Maharashtra and boasts a significant Marathi population.
Political analysts contend that Shiv Sena's backing could tilt the scales in favour of Congress, potentially swaying a larger share of the Marathi vote. Congress leaders Vivek Jatti and Manzoor Samsher met with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vaibhav Ungle at Kurundwad near Chikkodi to secure this support.

Ungle confirmed his party's full support for Congress in Chikkodi, pledging to campaign extensively in the areas bordering Maharashtra in the coming days to bolster Priyanka's campaign.

Historically, a substantial number of Marathi voters in the constituency have supported the BJP, contributing to sitting MP Annasaheb Jolle's victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha election against the Congress. In the previous election, Shiv Sena had maintained a neutral stance.

With the latest development of Shiv Sena (UBT) throwing its weight behind the Congress, the electoral landscape in Chikkodi appears to be shifting, setting the stage for a closely contested battle between the Congress and BJP.