Congress sweeps RS polls in K’taka; BJP faces setback

In a surprising turn of events, the Congress party has emerged victorious in the Rajya Sabha elections for four seats from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The Congress secured all three seats it contested. And Narayana Sa Bhandage from the BJP entering the Rajya Sabha for the first time.

The Congress’s strategic move paid off, with Ajay Maken securing 47 votes, Naseer Hussain and GC Chandrasekhar each obtaining 46 votes, surpassing the required 45 votes. In contrast, Narayana Sa Bhandage secured 48 votes, sealing his entry into the Rajya Sabha. However, the BJP-JDS alliance faced a setback as Kupendra Reddy, the candidate supported by both parties, managed to secure only 35 votes.

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly, with 224 members, had one seat vacant due to the unfortunate demise of MLA Rajavenkatappa Nayaka. With 223 eligible MLAs, the voting count reached 222 as BJP MLA Shivram Hebbar abstained from voting despite the party’s whip. Interestingly, BJP MLA ST Somashekhar cast a cross vote, benefiting the Congress.
In a surprising twist, five additional votes went in favor of the Congress, taking their total to 139 votes. Among these, BJP MLA ST Somashekhar, who had been in discussions with Congress leaders, played a crucial role by violating the party whip.
Speculations are rife that both BJP MLAs, ST Somashekhar and Shivram Hebbar, may soon join the Congress, causing tension within the BJP ranks.

The party is contemplating their expulsion for violating the whip, and there are rumors that the two MLAs might resign from their positions and switch allegiance to the Congress.
The Rajya Sabha election outcome has not only strengthened the Congress’s position but has also posed challenges for the BJP as it grapples with internal discord and potential defections.