Umesh Hullappa Meti won the Bagalkot Assembly by-election in 2026 as a Congress candidate. The election attracted considerable attention across Bagalkot district because it followed the death of sitting Congress MLA H.Y. Meti. Umesh Meti, the son of H.Y. Meti, was chosen by the Congress party to contest the vacant seat. His candidature brought the political legacy of the Meti family into the centre of the election campaign. The Bharatiya Janata Party fielded former MLA Veeranna Charantimath against him. The contest therefore became an important direct battle between Congress and BJP. During the campaign, political leaders focused on several local development issues. The Upper Krishna Project was one of the major issues discussed by candidates and parties. Compensation for people affected by development projects was also highlighted. The proposed government medical college was another important subject during the campaign. Congress leaders including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah campaigned in support of Umesh Meti. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also participated in the campaign. BJP leaders worked to strengthen support for their candidate across the constituency. Voters ultimately gave Umesh Meti a clear mandate. According to the Election Commission results, Umesh Meti received 98,919 votes. Veeranna Charantimath secured 76,587 votes. Umesh Meti won the constituency by a margin of 22,332 votes. The result gave Congress an important victory in Bagalkot. It also made Umesh Meti a new political representative of the constituency. The victory became one of the major political developments in Bagalkot district during 2026.