At the elections held in the city on Wednesday, he defeated his rival Narasimharaju (23) garnering 43 votes.

Along with him his supporter K Gopal with 46 votes was elected to the Rajyaparishat, while Lokesh was elected as treasurer with 49 votes.

The moment the results were announced, Sannamuddaiah’s supporters burst crackers in front of the Employees’ bhavan.

“I had decided not to contest. But I changed my decision as I did not want the innocent and honest employees to suffer. Besides there were many elements who were trying to get a foothold in the association. My friends had urged me not to give room for such developments and hence I was forced to contest,” said Sannamuddaiah later at a press conference.

In nine districts there were unanimous elections. The elections should not be held for Employees’ association. Moreover we are not politicians. Employees are there not to do politics but only to serve and organise. However, in this election there was ample flow of liquor, money and caste politics also came to the fore.

We are against such a system. But it is satisfying to win despite all these influences, he remarked. Tumkur District Employees Association has done commendable work and attracted the attention at the State level. It has also played a major role in the implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission implementation, he said.