Explained : Is another member of the Meti family gearing up to enter politics? | Hubballi News and Its Impact

Pic: Late HY MaetiBagalkot: Even as the two sons of late former Congress MLA from Bagalkot constituency HY Meti appealed to party workers not to be confused about the party’s candidate for the assembly by-poll, messages circulating on social media in the name of supporters of Meti’s daughter, Mahadevi Meti (Yargal), have sparked fresh political debate.

Following the death of MLA HY Meti, the Election Commission has stepped up preparations for the ensuing by-election. Within the Congress party, there has been speculation that one among Meti’s sons—Mallikarjun or Umesh—or his elder daughter and former ZP president Bayakka Meti could be the party’s candidate. However, posts now appearing on social media suggest that a fourth aspirant may be emerging.Most Congress leaders are said to be keen that one of Meti’s two sons be given the ticket. Recently, even before minister Satish Jarkiholi, there were demands that the ticket should go to a member of the Meti family. At the same time, questions are being raised about whether there is internal competition in the family itself.A party survey was reportedly conducted to assess which of Meti’s sons should be given the ticket. Even before this issue could be formally discussed on party platforms, another aspirant appears to have come forward.A social media post with photographs of HY Meti and his daughter Mahadevi Meti stating, “Without interference from anyone in Guledagudda, I will work for the people of my constituency. My politics does not depend on Guledagudda. The people of Bagalkot are my strength,” has been widely shared. The mention of Guledgudda in social media post refers to a ‘close and influential aide’ of HY Meti who is from Guledgudda.Another message reads, “I am committed to serving the people of the constituency with complete dedication, firm loyalty and honest administration,” further fueling discussions.Earlier, when there was intense debate over which of Meti’s sons should get the ticket, a public statement was issued, saying, “The entire Meti family and Congress workers in the constituency are still grieving the loss of our father HY Meti. No discussions have been held regarding who should get the ticket in the by-election. The Meti family is committed to the decision of the party high command. Workers should not be confused.“The statement further said, “In the by-election, the aspirations of party workers and the decision of the high command will be final. The entire Meti family will abide by that decision. There is no confusion or difference of opinion within our family.”However, within four to five days of these assurances, new social media posts have begun circulating, raising fresh questions. Although such posts are being shared widely, the silence of Meti family members on the issue has led to renewed speculation over the possible competition for the ticket within the family.