Amidst the anticipation of Karnataka’s new Chief Minister, Basvaraju Bommai, the incumbent leader gracefully stepped aside after achieving a resounding victory in his constituency. Senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa, emphasised that triumphs and setbacks are not unfamiliar territory for the BJP.
Bommai emerged victorious in the Shiggaon Assembly seat, defeating Congress’ Muslim candidate Pathan Yasir Ahmed Khan by an impressive margin of 35,978 votes. Hailing from the Sadar Lingayat community, Bommai secured a total of 100,016 votes, accounting for 54.95 percent of the total votes polled. His nearest rival, Yasir, received 63,732 votes with a vote share of 35.19 percent. Meanwhile, Shashidhar Yeligar of the Janata Dal (Secular) JD(S) finished third with 13,794 votes and a vote share of 7.65 percent.
BS Yediyurappa, speaking to the media, acknowledged that victories and defeats are not new to the BJP. “Victory and defeat aren’t new to BJP. Party workers need not be panicked by these results. We will introspect about the party’s setback. I respectfully accept this verdict,” he said on the party’s defeat in Karnataka elections.
In a tweet, Yediyurappa further extended his gratitude and humility, accepting the mandate of the people of Karnataka. He wrote, “We accept the mandate of the people of Karnataka with humility and thank the voters for their support. I congratulate all the winning candidates, and wholeheartedly thank our karyakarthas for their sincere efforts. BJP will continue to be the voice of the people and we will work hard to strengthen the party.”
According to the Election Commission, Congress is leading in 136 seats, followed by the BJP in 64 seats, JD(S) in 20 seats, and others in 4 seats. Congress has garnered 43 percent of the total votes polled, while the BJP stands at 36 percent.
The counting process commenced at 8 am across 36 centers throughout the state. The voting on May 10 witnessed a “record” turnout of 73.19 percent as citizens exercised their right to choose representatives for the 224-member assembly.