Big boost for the opposition alliance as Congress wins 4 of 5 seats in Karnataka By-election

Bengaluru : In a big boost to the ruling Congress-JSD alliance in Karnataka, the Congress has won 2 Lok Sabha seats and the BJP has won 1 seat in the by-elections. While the Congress has won the Bellary and Mandya seats, the BJP has managed to retain the prestigious Shivamoga seat. The alliance has also won the two Assembly Constituencies Jamkhandi and Ramanagara.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Sidhharamayah has termed it Diwali Gift for the Congress. Terming it the resurgence of the Congress, he said that the people of Karnataka have rejected the BJP.

Counting of votes in the Karnataka by-elections began amid tight security at 8 am. The by-elections were held for the three Lok Sabha – Bellari, Shimoga and Mandya and two assembly seats – Jamkhandi and Ramanagara on Saturday. An estimated 67% turnout was recorded in the by-polls. According to polls officials, counting is underway at five centres, one each in five constituencies. A total of 1,248 counting staff have been deployed for the smooth conduct of the counting.