Karnataka bypolls results: BJP leads in 10 seats, Congress & JDS in 2 seats each

BJP is leading in 10 seats while Congress and JD(S) in 2 seats apiece in the Karnataka bypolls, according to Election Commission trends. 

An independent candidate is leading in one seat.

The counting of votes polled in the December 5 bypolls began at 8 am in 11 centres and all the results were most likely to be out by the afternoon. The results in the 15 Assembly constituencies will decide the future of the four-month-old BS Yedyurappa-led BJP government.

The bypolls were necessitated to fill the vacancies caused by the disqualification of 17 rebel Congress and JD(S) MLAs, whose revolt led to the collapse of the HD Kumaraswamy-led coalition government in July and paved the way for BJP to come to power. Twelve of the 15 seats were held by the Congress and three by JD(S). Bypolls were not held in two seats due to pending litigations in High Court.

The outcome of the bypoll, which recorded 67.91% polling, is crucial for BJP, which needs to win at least six seats to remain in the majority. As of now, the BJP has 105 MLAs (including an independent), the Congress 66 and the JD(S) 34. Besides, there is one BSP member, a nominated MLA and the Speaker.

All arrangements, including security, have been made for the counting of votes. Prohibitory orders restricting assembly of people around the counting centre and activities that could disturb law and order have been clamped, police said.

With exit polls predicting a BJP win in 9 to 12 seats, the ruling party leaders are confident the government would complete its term.