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Karnataka's MLC election: Congress takes early lead

by IBNS 30 Dec 2015, 07:20 am

Bengaluru, Dec 30 (IBNS) The Congress took an early lead as counting was underway for the elections to 25 seats of Karnataka Legislative Council on Wednesday, reports said.

 Latest trends show that Congress has won the Bangalore City MLC seat and is leading in 11 other seats. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in four seats including Chikmagalur and Kodagu while Janata Dal Secular is ahead in one.

The elections were held as the term of office of 25 members of the Council from local authorities constituencies is due to expire on January 5.

In a surprise move, JDS leaders BZ Zameer Ahmed, TA Saravana and Akanda Srinivas Murthy have cast vote in favour of Congress candidate M Narayan Murtht in Bengaluru while the party has joined hands with the BJP on certain issues.

Giving reasons for casting vote in favour of Congress, Zameer said, "Myself, Saravana and Murthy - we have not received any instruction from our top leaders. H D Deve Gowda or H D Kumaraswamy have not issued any whip to our party as well. Therefore, we were free to vote for any candidate of our choice."

This election is a litmus test for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strives to increase the strength of the Congress  in the 75-member Upper House, where the ruling party lacks adequate number.