Bengaluru, Oct 28 : Veteran BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has described the NDA’s victory in the Karnataka MLC elections as a strong response to the Congress’s ‘Vote Chori’ allegations. He also demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar following the results.
The BJP won three seats, while its ally Janata Dal (Secular) secured one seat in the four Karnataka Legislative Council constituencies for teachers and graduates. The elections were conducted using ballot papers.
Yediyurappa argued that the results challenged the Congress campaign against Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), as the party has repeatedly demanded ballot paper-based elections, alleging EVM misuse.
“This is a glaring example of how informed voters have rejected the false propaganda about so-called ‘Vote Chori’,” he said.
BJP and JD(S) Win Four MLC Seats
The BJP secured victories in three constituencies, while the JD(S) won the Bengaluru Teachers’ constituency.
The winners and their reported victory margins were:
- K M Suresh: South-East Graduates’ constituency, victory margin of over 23,000 votes.
- S M Sankanoor: West Graduates’ constituency, victory margin of around 9,000 votes.
- Namushi: North-East Teachers’ constituency, victory margin of over 3,000 votes.
- A P Ranganath: Bengaluru Teachers’ constituency, victory margin of 908 votes.
Yediyurappa said the results reflected public dissatisfaction with the Congress government. He also pointed to increased voter turnout as an indication of possible anti-incumbency sentiment.
Yediyurappa Accuses Congress Government of Misgovernance
The senior BJP leader alleged that Karnataka had witnessed a lack of development, deteriorating law and order, corruption, scams and irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).
He also raised concerns over rising prices, farmer suicides and delays in pension payments to senior citizens and persons with disabilities. These allegations were made by Yediyurappa while criticising the state government.
He claimed that around 3,500 farmers had died by suicide and alleged that pension payments had not been made for eight months.
BJP Demands Resignation of D K Shivakumar
Following the MLC election results, Yediyurappa demanded that the Congress government take responsibility for its performance and seek a fresh public mandate.
He said the ruling party had lost the moral right to remain in power and called for the government to resign.
The BJP leader also targeted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, stating that the party should face political consequences for its allegations and governance record.
BJP and JD(S) to Contest Future Elections Together
Yediyurappa reaffirmed that the BJP and JD(S) would continue their alliance and jointly contest upcoming elections in Karnataka.
He said he would soon meet former Prime Minister and JD(S) leader H D Deve Gowda to discuss their election strategy.
The BJP leader stressed that both parties would work together to challenge the Congress government in future elections.
The Karnataka MLC election results have provided the BJP and JD(S) with an opportunity to intensify their criticism of the ruling Congress and strengthen their alliance ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
