Bengaluru, Oct 23 : Voting for four Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) constituencies concluded on Friday, with the ruling Congress facing the BJP-JD(S) alliance in a closely watched electoral contest. The results will be announced on October 27.
The elections were held in the South-East Graduates’, West Graduates’, North-East Teachers’ and Bengaluru Teachers’ constituencies. Polling began at 8 am and ended around 4 pm, according to the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer.
Karnataka MLC Polls 2026: Voter Turnout
The four constituencies recorded strong voter participation. According to official figures, the South-East Graduates’ constituency recorded 73.58 per cent polling, while the West Graduates’ constituency registered 75.62 per cent.
The North-East Teachers’ constituency recorded the highest turnout at 86.97 per cent, followed by the Bengaluru Teachers’ constituency at 81.98 per cent. A total of 43 candidates contested across the four seats.
Congress vs BJP-JD(S) Alliance: Key Candidates
The BJP fielded candidates in three constituencies, while its alliance partner JD(S) contested the Bengaluru Teachers’ seat.
The main contests were as follows:
- South-East Graduates’ Constituency: Congress candidate Shashi Hulikunte Mutt is contesting against BJP candidate K M Suresh.
- West Graduates’ Constituency: Congress nominee Mohan Limbikai is facing sitting BJP MLC S V Sankanur.
- North-East Teachers’ Constituency: Congress candidate Sharanappa Mattur is contesting against sitting BJP MLC Shashil G Namoshi.
- Bengaluru Teachers’ Constituency: Congress MLC Puttanna is facing JD(S) candidate A P Ranganath.
The BJP currently holds three of the four seats and is aiming to retain its strong position in the Legislative Council. The JD(S), meanwhile, is seeking to win the Bengaluru Teachers’ seat from the Congress.
Minor Incidents Reported During Polling
Some minor incidents and allegations were reported during polling in different parts of Karnataka.
A clash allegedly broke out between Congress and BJP workers near a polling station at Ambedkar College in Nagarabhavi during voting for the Bengaluru Teachers’ constituency. Police intervened, erected barricades and brought the situation under control after tensions escalated.
BJP MLA Muniratha accused Congress leaders and workers of conspiring to attack him and his supporters. Congress leaders, in response, accused the MLA and BJP workers of provoking their party workers.
Arguments and isolated incidents were also reported in Nelamangala, Anekal and Gadag. Additionally, allegations of money distribution emerged from some polling booths in Chikkaballapura and Molakalmuru in Chitradurga district. These allegations were reported during polling and were not independently established in the available information.
Bengaluru Teachers’ Seat Becomes a Key Contest
The Bengaluru Teachers’ constituency has attracted particular attention because Puttanna switched from the JD(S) to the Congress ahead of the previous Assembly elections.
Both Puttanna and JD(S) candidate A P Ranganath belong to the Vokkaliga community, making the contest significant for both alliance partners. The outcome will also indicate whether the BJP and JD(S) can effectively transfer their voter support to each other’s candidates.
The Congress is attempting to retain its existing seat and improve its position in the other constituencies. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president B K Hariprasad, ministers and senior party leaders campaigned across the constituencies ahead of polling.
Karnataka MLC Election Results on October 27
The Karnataka MLC election results are scheduled to be declared on October 27, with vote counting set to determine the winners in all four constituencies.
Although the results are not expected to affect the stability of the Karnataka government, a strong performance by the BJP-JD(S) alliance could strengthen the Opposition’s position against the Congress government, which came to power in 2023.
The 75-member Karnataka Legislative Council currently has 38 Congress members, 24 BJP members and six JD(S) members, along with one Independent and Chairman Saleem Ahmed. Five seats reserved for government nominations are vacant.
The election results will provide an indication of the political strength of the Congress and the BJP-JD(S) alliance among graduates and teachers in Karnataka.
