Daijiworld Media Network

Bellary, Dec 4: In a huge setback as well as embarrassment to Karnataka ruling BJP, its former minister and rebel Sriramulu has swept the Bellary bypoll by a margin of over 46,000 votes. The bypoll was considered as one of the toughest challenges for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka.

Sriramulu has bagged over 74,527 votes out of the 123,000 votes cast in bypolls which were held on November 30. BJP which was confident of retaining the Bellary seat is facing embarrassment as its candidate Gadhilingappa failed to retain his deposit. To retain his deposit, BJP candidate had to bag 20,532 votes, but he could manage only 17,366.

Congress candidate Ram Prasad finished second with over 27,737 votes.

Over 71 percent of the around 171,000 eligible voters had cast their ballot and counting was done in 18 rounds, according to AA Biswas, deputy commissioner of Bellary.

Speaking to Daijiworld correspondent in Bellary, winning candidate Sriramulu said that it was a victory of the people of Bellary and not his personal victory. "I am here to serve people, I will continue to serve until my last breath.  BJP played many tricks to put me down, I do not want to say anything to them at this moment, but today's result speaks it all. This is a clear message to state ruling party," he said.

The victory has brought a sigh of relief to the Reddy camp, as Reddy brothers were in trouble after their key leader Janardhana Reddy was arrested by Andhra police in September this year. A defeat here could have changed their political careers.

Sriramulu is expected to announce the launch of a new political party, on the other hand BJP is expected to draw its strategy to save its government for next year and half.