Bengaluru:The political heat around the by-elections in Davanagere South and Bagalkot has intensified, with both Congress and BJP leaders aggressively campaigning on the ground. However, what has caught political observers’ attention is the visible shift of several BJP rebel leaders, who appear to be aligning more closely with HD Kumaraswamy rather than the party’s state leadership.

Senior leaders considered part of the rebel camp, including Ramesh Jarkiholi, GM Siddeshwar, Kumar Bangarappa and B P Harish, have largely stayed away from campaigning alongside BJP state president BY Vijayendra. While some leaders have maintained distance altogether, others have been seen sharing the stage with Kumaraswamy during campaign events, sparking speculation within political circles. Notably, these rebel leaders have openly expressed reservations about accepting Vijayendra’s leadership. Earlier, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal had been vocal in his criticism of the B.S. Yediyurappa family, which eventually led to his expulsion from the party on charges of anti-party activities. Despite his expulsion, Yatnal has continued to campaign in Bagalkot in support of BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath, though he has also kept his distance from the Vijayendra camp. A similar pattern is visible with Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has participated in campaign activities but avoided sharing platforms with Vijayendra, instead appearing alongside Kumaraswamy. This trend has added fuel to ongoing discussions within the BJP about internal divisions and leadership acceptance.

Amid these developments, there is renewed speculation that in the event of the BJP returning to power in the state, Kumaraswamy could emerge as a Chief Ministerial candidate under a potential alliance arrangement. While the Yediyurappa faction has not endorsed such a possibility, the rebel camp has remained non-committal, indirectly giving rise to interpretations that they may be more open to Kumaraswamy’s leadership.