The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Karnataka): In a historic move, the Davangere Lok Sabha constituency is gearing up for a pivotal election featuring female candidates from the region’s two dominant political families. These families, affiliated with the BJP and Congress, have been rivals for over three decades.
The political competition between the families of Davangere’s current MP, G M Siddeshwara of the BJP, and the seasoned Congress leader, MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa, has a rich history. Since their first electoral face-off in 1998, the Siddeshwara family has consistently outperformed the Shamanur family in parliamentary elections, claiming victory in six of the contests.
This election marks a significant shift, as Gayathri Siddeshwara and Prabha Mallikarjun are poised to represent their respective families. Gayathri, married to G M Siddeshwara, is anticipated to stand for the BJP, while Prabha, the daughter-in-law of Shamanur Shivashankarappa, is expected to be the Congress candidate.
The Davangere constituency, with its eight assembly segments, is heavily influenced by the Veerashaiva Lingayat community. Both competing families belong to the Sadar sub-caste of the Lingayat community and share familial ties, adding a personal dimension to the political rivalry.
This election is especially noteworthy as it is the first time women from these influential families will directly contend for the Lok Sabha seat. The contest not only signifies a battle for political dominance but also marks a potential turning point in the families’ long-standing rivalry.
The Shamanur family sees this as an opportunity to avenge previous losses to the Siddeshwara family, while the Siddeshwaras are determined to strengthen their grip on the constituency. As the community and political observers watch closely, this election is set to be a landmark event in Davangere’s political history, underscoring the evolving role of women in the political arena.