The  BJP in Karnataka finalised their candidates for the May 19 Assembly bye-polls in two seats in north Karnataka after the Congress had already named their candidates on Saturday. The last date for filing nominations for these two seats is April 29. Counting of votes will be done on May 23, the same day the nationwide results of Lok Sabha elections will be declared.
In Kundgol, the BJP has gone with SI Chikkanagowdar, a key aide of BS Yeddyurappa in the hope of succeeding late sitting minister CS Shivalli who had won from the constituency two times successively. He will face Kusumavati, wife of former Municipal Administration Minister.
Shivalli, who was the former MLA of Kundgol, passed away in March 2019. The Congress is hoping to bank on the goodwill enjoyed by Shivalli in the region by fielding his wife Kusumavati.