Bengaluru: Anti-incumbency was writ largely over BJP’s electoral fortunes as almost a dozen of their cabinet ministers tasted defeat in Karnataka Assembly polls, where the votes were counted on Saturday.
Among the ministers who were defeated include BS Sriramulu from Ballari, JC Madhuswamy from Chikkanayakanahally, Govinda Karajol from Mudhol, Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar from Chikkaballapur, MTB Nagaraj from Hoskote, BC Patil from Hirekerur, Murugesh Nirani from Beelagi, KC Narayangowda from KR Pete, BC Nagesh from Tiptur and Shankar Patil from Navalgund.
Also, Housing Infrastructure Development Minister V Sommanna was routed in Varuna and Chamrajnagar seats.
However, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai sailed through from the Shiggaon constituency.
CM’s cabinet colleague who won the election include – Araga Jnanendra from Thirthahalli, CC Patil from Navalgund, Prabhu Chauhan from Aurad, ST Somashekar from Yeshwanthpur, Byrati Basavaraj from KR Puram, Gopalaiah from Mahalakshmi layout, Shashikala Jolle from Nippani, Sunil Kumar from Karkala, Munirathna from Rajrajeshwari Nagar and Shivaram Hebbar from Yellapur.
As of now, the Congress is leading 136 seats, with victory in 82 and leading on 50 others, according to the Election Commission of India.
On the other hand, BJP is leading in 64 seats, while JDS is ahead on 20 seats.
Independents have won two, while Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha and Sarvodaya Karnataka Paksha have won one each.
The counting of votes began at 8 am amid tight security across the State.
The polling for the seats were held on May 10. A party needs 113 seats to get a majority.
