The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bengaluru): The Bidar Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka is gearing up for a closely watched electoral contest, featuring sitting BJP MP and Union Minister Bhagwanth Khuba against the Congress’ youthful candidate, Sagar Eshwar Khandre. Khuba, aiming for a third consecutive victory, faces a vibrant challenge from Khandre, who is venturing into electoral politics buoyed by a legacy of political and social service in his family.
Khuba, who achieved significant victories in both the 2014 and 2019 general elections, has been a prominent figure in Bidar’s political landscape, overcoming formidable opponents with notable vote margins. His ascendancy to a Central portfolio in 2021, under the Lingayat quota, underscored his standing within the BJP, despite initial opposition from local party leaders.
On the other side, 26-year-old Sagar Khandre brings to the fray a blend of legal education, grassroots involvement, and the backing of a politically influential family. His endeavors during the Covid pandemic and his role in educational and student organizations underline his commitment to community service.
The electoral battle in Bidar is set against a backdrop of shifting political dynamics, with the BJP-JD(S) alliance aiming to consolidate support across the constituency’s diverse assembly segments. The Lingayat community’s vote, a crucial factor in the region’s political equation, presents a challenge and opportunity for both candidates.
As the campaign heats up, the BJP relies on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity, while the Congress banks on its promises to the electorate and the support of the minority community. With Bidar’s status as one of Karnataka’s most economically disadvantaged districts, the election is also a referendum on the aspirations and concerns of its residents.
Scheduled for May 7, the Bidar Lok Sabha poll promises to be a testament to the evolving political narratives in Karnataka, pitting experience against youth, and legacy against aspiration.
