Karnataka MLC Election Results: Congress Wins 5 Seats, Cross-Voting Stuns BJP and JD(S)

The ruling Congress won five of the seven Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) seats decided by MLAs on Thursday, while the BJP secured two seats and the JD(S) failed to win any , in a result marked by allegations of significant cross-voting.

Congress candidates Thippannappa Kamakanur, P.V. Mohan, B.K. Hariprasad, B.S. Shivanna, and Vinay Karthik Prakash were elected, while BJP nominees Raghu R. and Lingaraj Patil claimed the remaining seats. JD(S) candidate Govindaraju was defeated.

The outcome is being viewed as a major political boost for Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar , whose government faced its first electoral test since taking office. Congress reportedly secured 151 votes , around 11 more than its expected strength , prompting claims that legislators from the BJP and JD(S) crossed party lines.

Sources indicated that three BJP MLAs and eight JD(S) legislators may have voted for Congress candidates, while one BJP vote was declared invalid. The election was conducted through a secret ballot, making verification difficult.

Shivakumar described the result as a reflection of legislators' confidence in the government's welfare programmes and praised the unity within the Congress ranks. He denied seeking support from opposition lawmakers.

The result has exposed potential cracks within the BJP, with senior leaders acknowledging cross-voting and promising action against those responsible. Political observers also see the outcome as a setback for the JD(S), which faces increasing competition from Shivakumar among Vokkaliga voters.

Following the election, Congress' strength in the Legislative Council will rise to 39 seats , while the BJP's tally will fall to 28 and the JD(S) will be reduced to six members .