BJP wins comfortably in Koppal by-poll

www.mangaloretoday.com

Koppal, Sep 29, 2011: BJP, which has been contesting from 1972 in Koppal, finally managed to open its account in this assembly constituency.

Its candidate Karadi Sanganna won the Koppal by-poll with an impressive margin of 12,426 votes on Thursday. K Basavaraj Hitnal of Congress and Pradeep Gowda Malipatil of JDS trailed him in the second and third positions respectively.

 

 

BJP, Congress and JD (S) secured 60,405, 47,917 and 20,719 votes. For Sanganna it was fourth victory from the five assembly elections he has so far contested from Koppal.


The ruling party’s impressive winning streak in elections seems to be continuing despite being hit by incessant scams, many of which have drawn national attention.

The early results pouring in from the counting centre hinted at a BJP victory. Its candidate Karadi Sanganna raced ahead from the word go and went on from strength to strength in each of the 15 rounds of counting.

Sanganna’s lead steadily widened from 2,569 votes in round one to 12,426.

A Sanganna victory was expected to help former chief minister Yeddurappa make a comeback in state and party politics. The beleaguered leader led the campaign in Koppal much against the wishes of his detractors in the party.

A defeat would have seen his party opponents led by state BJP president Eshwarappa and central leader Ananth Kumar further moving in to marginalise him.

Earlier, the counting of votes for the Koppal by-poll began around 8 am on Thursday.

Due to heavy rains in the city there was a slight delay in the arrival of polling agents at the the Gavisiddeshwara Arts, Commerce and Science College. The result of the contest between 14 candidates is expected by 12 noon.

Tight police security has been provided to maintain law and order in the view of the counting. As many as three DySPs, 14 SIs, 30 ASIs, 65 head constables, 168 constables, 100 Home Guard Staff, four KSRP platoons and six platoons of District Armed Reserved Force have been deputed.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC have been clamped in the Assembly constituency as a precautionary measure.

The ban order will be in force till 6 pm on October 1. However, the orders are relaxed for religious functions and last rites.

Courtesy: Deccan Herald