From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 14: With Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, leaving for Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, it was Higher Education Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan’s turn to respond to media persons in Belagavi on the results of the 25 Legislative Council seats pouring in after counting on Tuesday, and he said the ruling BJP ‘’is extremely happy to win the maximum number of seats.’’

Dr Narayan, who spoke to reporters in Belagavi, said BJP is very happy to register its maiden victory from Bengaluru Urban constituency and contended that the victory of BJP candidate Gopinath Reddy has 'created history'.

“The voters of the local bodies have sent the right message by reposing their faith and trust in BJP,’’ he said.

Out of the 25 seats, BJP has won 12 while Congress party is just short of the ruling party’s tally at 11, while JD(S) has secured a single seat with another seat going to an Independent.

The minister said the ruling party’s strength has increased from its earlier position and it is very convenient for the State Government to implement new schemes and programmes. "The victory of BJP in the council polls has strengthened the party to work better and provide a pro-people administration,’’ he said.

Cong has done better than expected: DKS

Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Chief D K Shivakumar said the Congress party fought the elections unitedly despite the constraints and fared much better than expected.

The State Congress party president said the ruling party enjoys all advantages while the Congress party had to struggle and improved its performance even in the seats where it lost with greater number of votes polled.

“It is evident that the people have sent a clear message indicating their preference for change in the State,’’ he said alleging that the ruling party had misused official machinery and distributed money while the Congress had to struggle and fared well.

Shivakumar said the Congress party has improved its vote share even in constituencies where BJP was dominant and congratulated the party workers besides thanking the voters for their support.