The BJP fielded experienced politician Veeranna Charantimath as its candidate for the Bagalkot Assembly by-election. Charantimath was a familiar political figure in the constituency and had previously served as an MLA. His candidature made the election an important contest between political experience and a new candidate. Congress nominated Umesh Meti, the son of former MLA H.Y. Meti, for the vacant seat. Charantimath entered the campaign with considerable electoral and organisational experience. The BJP focused on strengthening its support base throughout the constituency. Party workers conducted meetings and campaign programmes in different parts of Bagalkot. Congress and BJP leaders presented different approaches to local development during the campaign. The Upper Krishna Project emerged as one of the central issues discussed by both sides. Land acquisition and compensation for affected families also received attention. Infrastructure development and public facilities were other important campaign subjects. Senior leaders from both parties participated in the election campaign. The BJP attempted to regain the constituency after its defeat in the 2023 Assembly election. Congress, meanwhile, sought to retain the seat following H.Y. Meti’s death. The campaign attracted strong interest among voters and political workers. Charantimath remained one of the most experienced candidates in the contest. The Election Commission recorded him as the BJP candidate in the by-election. He eventually finished second behind Congress candidate Umesh Meti. Charantimath received 76,587 votes according to the Election Commission results. The contest demonstrated the continuing importance of Bagalkot in Karnataka’s political landscape.