From Varuna, where Siddaramiah will take on minister V Somanna, to Hubli Dharwad Central, being contested by rebel BJP leader Jagadish Shettar, these seats are expected to be engaged in high-stakes prestige battles
BJP muted in response, as both parties discuss post-poll scenarios, plans to corral their MLAs, and eye Independents or leaders of small parties who could win
Harbouring chief ministerial ambitions, both Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar had a series of tussles over the issue in the run-up to the elections. If the Congress wins, the high command will have to decide whom it wants for the top job.
The ruling party has fielded senior minister V Somanna from Varuna in the hope of getting the 40% Lingayat vote that will be the key if it has to win Congress citadel for the first time.
"SCs, STs have backed Congress over the years. they won't shift overnight due to new quota policy. Similarly, those who think BJP policies have helped them, will not return to Congress immediately," says Satish Jarkiholi.