Karnataka Council polls: BJP-JD(S) alliance sweeps all four seats

In a setback to the ruling Congress, the BJP-JD(S) alliance won all four Karnataka Legislative Council seats that went to polls on October 23 — two teachers’ and two graduates’ constituencies. Congress earlier held one of the four seats.

The biggest upset for Congress came from Bengaluru Teachers constituency where five-time MLC and former Deputy Chairman Puttanna lost to NDA candidate A.P. Ranganath. BJP candidate Shashil G. Namoshi secured his fifth victory in the North-East Teachers’ constituency, defeating Congress nominee Sharanappa Mattur.

In the West Graduates’ constituency, S.V. Sankanur secured his third consecutive victory, defeating Congress’s Mohan Limbikai. In South East Graduates’ constituency, BJP candidate K.M. Suresha defeated Congress candidate Shashi Hulikuntemutt.

The result has rejuvenated the NDA partners, who were jolted earlier this year after cross-voting of 11 of its MLAs during the poll to seven Legislative Council seats in June. The Congress had won five out of seven seats and the saffron party had won two.

Earlier in May, the Congress had also won Davangere South and Bagalkot bypolls, retaining both the seats despite strong internal differences. The victory is being seen as a result of the co-ordinated effort betwee the BJP and JD(S) that paid off.

It has shown that the partners can transfer their support to each other’s candidates. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar acknowledged the defeat and said that they would introspect on it, but insisted that it was no “precursor” to the future elections as interpreted by the NDA partners.

Though the Council election results will not affect the stability of the Congress government, the strong performance of the NDA partners will give the opposition a momentum.