NDA sweeps Karnataka Council polls, wins all four seats in setback to Congress

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, taking both teachers' and both graduates' constituencies. Congress had earlier held one of the four seats.

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

In the West Graduates' constituency, SV Sankanur won his third consecutive term, defeating Congress' Mohan Limbikai. In the South East Graduates' constituency, BJP's KM Suresha defeated Congress candidate Shashi Hulikuntemutt.

The results have rejuvenated the NDA partners, who were jolted earlier this year when 11 of its MLAs cross-voted in the June polls to seven Legislative Council seats. Congress won five of those seven seats, while the BJP won two. In May, Congress also retained the Davangere South and Bagalkot bypolls despite strong internal differences.

The victory is being seen as the result of coordinated effort between the BJP and JD(S), which has shown that the partners can transfer their support to each other's candidates.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar acknowledged the defeat and said the party would introspect. He insisted, however, that the outcome was not a "precursor" to future elections, as the NDA partners have interpreted it.

Although the Council results will not affect the stability of the Congress government, the NDA's strong performance is likely to give the opposition momentum.