Explained : Suitcase politics row heats up Bagalkot, Davanagere South bypolls | Mysuru News and Its Impact

Shivamogga: A sharp war of words broke out between public works minister Satish Jarkiholi and BJP State president BY Vijayendra over allegations of “suitcase politics” in the Bagalkot and Davanagere South byelections.The row began after Vijayendra alleged that Congress ministers were touring the constituencies with “suitcases of cash” to influence voters, claiming this reflected the party’s fear of losing. Jarkiholi hit back with a stinging retort: “If we are walking around with suitcases, is the BJP walking around with just pieces of paper?”Rejecting the charge, Jarkiholi said Congress was only trying to retain its own seats. “We already have 143 MLAs. These were our seats to begin with, not the BJP’s. We are simply trying to retain what is ours, and there is nothing wrong with that,” he told reporters in Shivamogga.Asked about chief minister Siddaramaiah completing a full term, the minister declined further comment. “The CM has already said it himself; there is no need for me to comment. There are 10 people in line, including DK Shivakumar. One must wait for the opportunity,” he said.Earlier on Friday, Vijayendra claimed there was strong anti-Congress sentiment, particularly in Davanagere South, and alleged that even Muslim voters might lean away from the ruling party. He said CM Siddaramaiah was frustrated by the ground situation, which is why he had directed ministers to camp in the constituencies with “suitcases.”