Congress sweeps Komul board elections in Kolar

Secures 9 out of 13 seats amid tight contest; JD(S)-BJP alliance falls short with 4 wins

The Congress party-backed candidates have emerged victorious in the Kolar District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd (KOMUL) board elections for the 2025–2030 term, securing a clear majority and retaining control over one of the state’s most prestigious cooperative institutions.

In the elections held on Wednesday for 12 director constituencies, Congress-supported candidates won eight seats, while one candidate, MLA K Y Nanjegowda, was elected unopposed earlier. This brought the total tally of the Congress to nine out of 13 director seats, ensuring their dominance on the board.

Prominent winners include Mahalakshmi from K H Muniyappa’s faction (Kolar North Women’s Constituency) and MLA S N Narayanaswamy from Bangarpet.

The JD(S)-BJP alliance, which fielded candidates in 10 constituencies, managed to win only four seats—two from Kolar taluk and two from Mulabagilu—falling short of expectations.

High voter turnout 

The elections witnessed brisk polling from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Government Junior Girls’ College in Kolar, with 29 candidates contesting across 12 constituencies and 855 eligible voters.

Security was tight, with multiple checkpoints and police deployment to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

Despite minor scuffles and verbal clashes between Congress and JD(S)-BJP workers, polling and counting were largely peaceful. Vote counting began immediately after polling, and the results were declared by 5:30 pm by KOMUL Election Officer and Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary T K Ramesh.

Celebrations 

As soon as the results were announced, Congress workers celebrated their victory with fireworks and processions. Victorious candidates Chanjimale Ramesh (Kolar-Vemagal), Jayasimha Krishnappa (KGF), and K Y Nanjegowda (elected unopposed) were taken on victory marches.

Meanwhile, JD(S) supporters led by MLA Samruddhi Manjunath celebrated the wins of Kadenahalli Nagaraj and Samegowda from Mulabagilu.

However, intra-party rivalry was evident within Congress itself, as candidates from opposing factions faced off in three constituencies, reflecting the high stakes and internal divisions.

The election was marked by allegations of vote-buying, inducements, and lavish campaigning. There were reports suggesting that individual votes were valued as high as Rs 5 lakh, though unverified.

Vehicles bringing voters from arranged trips were seen arriving in front of the polling booth, with MLAs and leaders personally escorting voters into the centre. Police verified delegate forms before allowing entry.

Notably, senior political figures, including MP M Mallesh Babu, former MP S Muniswamy, several MLAs, MLCs, and leaders from Congress, BJP, and JD(S) were present at the polling venue, underlining the political significance of the election.

Race heats up for chief’s post

The process to elect the new president of Komul is expected to begin soon, generating curiosity over potential developments and political manoeuvring.

With 13 elected directors and five government-nominated representatives, the board comprises 18 members in all. A minimum of 10 votes is required to secure the president’s post.

At present, Congress-backed directors hold the upper hand, putting the party in a favourable position to retain leadership. However, a contest appears likely within the party itself, as MLAs K Y Nanjegowda and S N Narayanaswamy are reportedly eyeing the chief’s post, setting the stage for internal rivalry over the influential position.