BJP scores major victories in Karnataka local body elections, Congress suffers setback
Bengaluru: The results of the local body elections announced on Tuesday have dealt a significant blow to the ruling Congress in Karnataka, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing clear majorities in several key town panchayats across the state.
The outcomes are being seen as a strong political signal against the Congress government at the grassroots level. The BJP emerged victorious in Bajpe and Kinnigoli town panchayats of Dakshina Kannada district, Manki town panchayat in Uttara Kannada district, and Bashettihalli town panchayat in Bengaluru Rural district.
In addition, the BJP also tasted success in by-elections held for one seat each in the Doddaballapur Municipal Corporation of Bengaluru Rural district and Turvihal town panchayat in Raichur district.
BJP dominance in Dakshina Kannada
In Bajpe town panchayat, where elections were held for a total of 19 seats, the BJP secured a comfortable majority by winning 11 seats. The Congress managed to win only four seats, while the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) won three seats. One seat went to an Independent candidate. The result further reinforced the BJP’s stronghold in the coastal belt.
In Kinnigoli town panchayat, the BJP won 10 seats, while the Congress secured eight seats. A total of 42 candidates were in the fray, making the contest keenly watched. The BJP’s victory in Kinnigoli is being viewed as another endorsement of its organisational strength in Dakshina Kannada.
First election after town panchayat formation
In Manki town panchayat of Uttara Kannada district, which went to polls for the first time after its formation, a tough contest was expected between the BJP and the Congress. However, the results surprised many, with the BJP winning 12 seats and forming the majority, while the Congress was restricted to eight seats.
Saffron surge in Bashettihalli
The BJP also made a strong statement in Bashettihalli town panchayat of Doddaballapur taluk in Bengaluru Rural district. Out of 19 seats, the BJP won 14 seats, registering a sweeping victory. Notably, this election was held after a gap of 11 years, and the BJP’s performance highlighted its growing influence in the region.
BL Santhosh welcomes victory
Reacting to the results, BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh expressed happiness on social media. He said the BJP’s winning streak in local body elections across the country was continuing.
He also pointed out that in Congress-ruled Karnataka, and that too in elections conducted through ballot papers, the BJP had achieved a significant victory, underscoring the party’s growing grassroots support.
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