Political observers believe that around six of the 17 seats scheduled to go to polls on 18 June could witness uncontested elections, highlighting the growing influence of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in local authority constituencies across the state

Senior leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, participated in key meetings to decide the ministerial lineup