Karnataka MLC polls: Counting underway for four seats amid tight security

Bengaluru, Oct 27 Counting of votes for four Karnataka Legislative Council constituencies began on Tuesday amid tight security, with the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance locked in a direct electoral contest.

The results are expected to offer an indication of the Congress's support base among graduates and teachers while testing the BJP-JD(S) alliance's electoral coordination ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.

The four constituencies going to the polls are Karnataka South-East Graduates', Karnataka West Graduates', Karnataka North-East Teachers' and Bengaluru Teachers'. A total of 43 candidates are in the fray. Polling was held on October 23.

The BJP has fielded candidates in both graduates' constituencies and the North-East Teachers' constituency, while its alliance partner JD(S) is contesting the Bengaluru Teachers' seat. The Congress has fielded candidates in all four constituencies.

According to official figures, the South-East Graduates' constituency recorded a voter turnout of 73.58 per cent, 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 Bengaluru Teachers' at 81.98 per cent.

In the South-East Graduates' constituency, Congress candidate Shashi Hulikunte Mutt is contesting against BJP nominee K M Suresh. In the West Graduates' constituency, Congress candidate Mohan Limbikai is challenging sitting BJP MLC S V Sankanur.

In the North-East Teachers' constituency, Congress candidate Sharanappa Mattur is facing sitting BJP MLC Shashil G Namoshi. In Bengaluru Teachers', Congress MLC Puttanna is pitted against JD(S) candidate A P Ranganath, who has the backing of the BJP.

The BJP currently holds three of the four seats and is seeking to retain its position, while the JD(S) is aiming to wrest the Bengaluru Teachers' seat from the Congress.

The Bengaluru contest has attracted particular attention as Puttanna had switched from the JD(S) to the Congress ahead of the previous Assembly elections. Both Puttanna and Ranganath belong to the Vokkaliga community.

Polling was largely peaceful, although minor clashes between Congress and BJP workers were reported near a polling station in Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru. Arguments were also reported in Anekal and Gadag, while allegations of voter inducements surfaced at some polling locations.

Although the elections are not expected to significantly alter the balance of power in the 75-member Legislative Council, the results are likely to provide political ammunition to both the ruling Congress and the Opposition alliance ahead of future electoral contests.