In a significant blow to the Congress ahead of the April 9 by-election to the Davanagere South Assembly seat, more than 20 Muslim community leaders and youth formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday evening.

The leaders joined in the presence of BJP candidate Srinivas T., citing deep disappointment over the Congress high command’s decision to deny a ticket to a minority candidate and instead field Samarth Shamanur, grandson of the late six-time MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

Davanagere South is considered a minority-dominant constituency, with Muslims forming 65–70% of the electorate.

Local Muslim leaders had been demanding a ticket for one of their own, pointing out that the late Shamanur Shivashankarappa had promised them the seat “next time.”

When the Congress announced Samarth’s candidature at the last minute, it triggered strong resentment and open rebellion.

Hundreds of angry Muslim youth staged a protest against the Congress in the evening, with reports indicating over 500 participants.

Several Muslim leaders who had earlier planned to contest as Independents have now shifted allegiance to the BJP.

“We have worked for the Congress for 30–40 years. This time, we will not support them under any circumstances. Even if the BJP wins, our only goal is to ensure Congress loses,” the leaders stated after joining the party.

Party sources indicated that more Muslim leaders and workers are likely to join the BJP in the coming days.

The development comes just days after Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar made a strong appeal to minority voters to back Samarth Shamanur.

The ticket row had already created two clear factions within the Congress’s minority wing in Davanagere.

Polling for the Davanagere South by-poll is scheduled for April 9, with results expected on May 4.