Karnataka MLC polls: BJP-led NDA wins all four seats
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Bengaluru: The BJP and its ally Janata Dal (Secular) have swept all four seats in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections, dealing a major blow to the ruling Congress, which failed to secure a single constituency.
The BJP secured victories in the North-East Teachers', South-East Graduates' and West Graduates' constituencies, while the JD(S) won the Bengaluru Teachers' seat.
In the South-East Graduates' constituency, BJP candidate K.M. Suresh defeated Congress nominee Shashi Hulikunte Mutt. BJP MLC Shashil G. Namoshi retained the North-East Teachers' seat by defeating Sharanappa Mattur, while S.V. Sankanur won the West Graduates' constituency against Congress candidate Mohan Limbikai.
JD(S) nominee A.P. Ranganath defeated five-time winner Puttanna in the Bengaluru Teachers' constituency.
Reacting to the results, BJP MLC Lingaraj Patil attributed the Congress defeat to public dissatisfaction with the state government, alleging corruption, irregularities and failure to fulfil promises. He also cited internal differences within the ruling party as a factor.
The results mark the first electoral contest for the Karnataka Congress under its president B.K. Hariprasad, who is also a member of the Legislative Council.
Polling took place on October 23 under tight security. Tensions erupted near a polling station at Ambedkar College in Nagarabhavi during voting for the Bengaluru Teachers' seat, prompting police intervention and the installation of barricades.
The 75-member Council has five vacant positions, with Congress holding 38 seats, the BJP 24 and the JD(S) six, alongside one independent member and the chairman.
With IANS Inputs