The Congress suffered a major loss of face in the city as the BJP captured power for the first time in the 20-year-old Mangalore City Corporation.

The ‘Lotus’ bloomed in the corporation building as the saffron party won 34 seats in the 60-member house. The Congress, which had a strength of 44 in the previous house, had to be content with just 20. JD (S) won one seat and for the first time, CPM opened its account.

Four independents, who had been denied tickets by recognised political parties, were successful.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Congress District President B Ramanath Rai alleged that the BJP had tampered with the reservations. However, the Congress was satisfied with the outcome of results at Ullal, Moodbidre, Bantwal and Belthangady Town Muncipal Councils.

The BJP asserted its supremacy over Udupi City Municipal Council by bagging 28 seats, while the Congress won six. An independent was also successful. The BJP managed to come to power in TMCs in Udupi district. But, Congress emerged victorious in Karkala.


In Kodagu,  the BJP, which has won 13 seats out of 31, needs the support to run the Madikeri City Municipal Council. Five independents might support the BJP. The Congress managed to secure only nine seats.
In Chikmagalur CMC also, the BJP will need support as it won 16 seats in the 35-member house. The Congress was distant second with eight seats.

The JD (S) and independents were successful in five wards each. The CPI has managed to secure one seat. Like DK, rebels played spoilsport for the Congress.