BJP wins 12 seats in Karnataka by-polls

Bangalore: Making a major political statement and one that indicates its deep-rooted presence, despite the recent turmoil in the State, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the Karnataka by-polls by winning 12 of the 15 seats that were up for grabs.

Results were declared by 12.30pm while counting of votes began at 8am.

Later, controversial Congress leader DK Shivkumar, while speaking to the media, said, “We have to agree with the mandate. People have accepted the defectors. We humbly accept defeat. I don't think we have to be disheartened.”

The Congress won Shivaji Nagar and Hunsur, while an independent, who won from Hoskote constituency, is expected to join BJP.

Although, 17 seats had to go in for by-elections, polls to Maski (in Raichur district) and Rajarajeshwarinagar (in Bengaluru) were not held as cases are pending in the Karnataka High Court for electoral malpractice.

The by-polls were necessitated when 17 rebel Congresses and JD(S) MLAs revolting against the HD Kumuraswamy government and resigned in July. The election was crucial to the BJP as it needed at least six seats to maintain its majority.