Karnataka Bypolls: Counting begins, BJP takes early lead

Counting began at 8 am on Monday.

As per early trends, the Bharatiya Janata Party is leading in 10 seats while the Congress is ahead on 2.

A total number of 165 candidates -- 156 men and nine women -- are in fray.

The state recorded 66.25 per cent voter turnout with a high-octane dosage of glamour and power evident all through the campaign.

The polls on Dec 5 were by and large peaceful except for some snags reported in VVPATs in some booths, which were changed.

Stakes are high for the ruling BJP, which needs at least six seats to remain in power. The B S Yediyurappa-led government enjoys the support of 106 MLAs currently, including an Independent MLA in the House of 207 members.

Of the 15 bypoll-bound constituencies, 12 were earlier held by the Congress and three by the Janata Dal (Secular). Hence, the stakes are also high for the two parties to retain their base.

The total strength of the House in Karnataka is 224 (plus a nominated member), but the resignation of 17 Congress and JD(S) MLAs led to the collapse of the earlier Congress-JD(S) coalition government led by H.D. Kumaraswamy, necessitating bypolls.

Sixteen of the disqualified MLAs have switched loyalties to the BJP and 13 of them are in bypolls fray as the party’s candidates. Two constituencies - Maski and Rajarajeshwari Nagar - are not going to polls on Thursday on account of pending cases.