Bengaluru: 60 % of seats won by BJP-backed candidates

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa claimed in the recent Gram Panchayat polls, for which counting took place on Wednesday, more than 60 per cent of BJP supported candidates won and created history. According to information, of 5,728 Gram Panchayats, BJP backed candidates have won in majority in around 3,800 panchayats, he said, as he gave credit to collective leadership for the achievement, while acknowledging efforts of district in-charge ministers, MLAs and party workers.

Though the Gram Panchayat polls don't take place on party symbols, all political parties had put in efforts to ensure that the candidate supported by them wins, so as to have their hold on grassroot level politics, which may prove advantageous for them in taluk or zilla panchayat and even assembly polls whenever it happens. Also citing BJP winning 12 out of 15 assembly seats that went for bypolls in December 2019 and the win in the Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Sira segments earlier this year, Yediyurappa said these results show that the party has made inroads to the stronghold of opposition parties. Highlighting his government's management of COVID crisis while also supporting distressed communities, he said, it also ensured that development works continued despite the pandemic. "Our government has topped in attracting FDI even during COVID pandemic.As many as 95 proposals worth Rs 1.54 lakh crore have been received," he said. Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah said that rural India is frustrated by the policies implemented by the BJP. "Farmers are against anti-farmer laws and they found Gram Panchayat elections as the perfect opportunity to teach BJP a lesson. Reports suggest that Congress Karnataka supported candidates are winning," he said.

Senior BJP leader P Muralidhar Rao called it a thumping victory for Karnataka BJP in Gram Panchayat elections. "If there is any farmer friendly party in d country, that is BJP. People of rural Karnataka have chosen BJP. Kudos to CM Sh @BSYBJP, State President Sh@nalinkateel & all karyakartas. Congratulations to all d winners," he said.