Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Nov 26: In the recently concluded byelections for Bantwal Municipal Council and 11 Grama Panchayats, Congress-backed candidates triumphed in 10 out of 12 seats, while BJP-backed candidates secured victories in the remaining two of them.
In the Bantwal Municipal Council's Mandadi Ward-2 byelection, Congress candidate Purushottam Poojari retained the seat, reinforcing Congress control in the council. This seat was vacated by Gangadhara Poojari, who resigned from Congress and joined the BJP earlier this year.
Congress wins big in Grama Panchayats
In the Grama Panchayat races, Congress saw sweeping victories. In Sajipamunnuru, Congress candidates Ismail, Dhananjay Shetty, and Selin claimed all the three vacant seats. Panjeekallu saw Congress-backed Rajesh Gowda and Keshava Poojari win two seats, while Keshava Jogi and Karim secured victories in Amtadi and Sajipamooda respectively.
Other wins for Congress included Jayanti Sateesh Poojari in Chennai Thodi and Nalini in Biliyuru, while BJP-backed candidates claimed victory in Badagabelluru and Manchi.
BJP retains some, Congress gains ground
While BJP held onto its seat in Manchi, Congress made significant gains by winning key seats like Sajipamunnuru and Amtadi. Congress also defeated SDPI-backed candidates in Sajipamunnuru, showcasing its growing influence in the region.
Smooth counting of votes, high voter enthusiasm
Counting of votes took place under the supervision of Tahsildar D Archana Bhat, with Election branch officials ensuring a smooth process. Supporters of the winning candidates gathered outside the administration building, celebrating with victory processions. Police maintained tight security throughout the event.
Congratulatory messages pour in
MLA Rajesh U Naik congratulated BJP winners, while former minister Ramanath Rai praised the Congress-backed candidates for their success.
Ramanath Rai on government’s guarantee schemes
Ramanath Rai highlighted that the results reflected the public's support for the Siddaramaiah-led government's guarantee schemes, further cementing the government's popularity among voters.