Bengaluru, March 24 -- A by-election triggered by the death of a senior Congress leader has turned politically fraught in Davangere South, where the party's choice of Samarth Shamanur has caused opposition from sections of the minority community and led to an open rebellion within its ranks.

The Congress leadership's decision to field Samarth Shamanur, the grandson of late Shamanur Shivashankarappa, has been met with resistance from leaders who had expected the ticket to go to a Muslim candidate in the constituency. That discontent crystallised on Monday when Sadiq Pailwan, a long-time associate of the late leader, entered the race as an independent.

Backed by supporters, including local minority leaders, Sadiq marched to file his nomin...