Karnataka bypolls: Cong-JD(S) alliance outwits BJP

The 4-1 victory for the ruling JD(S)-Congress alliance has come as a shot in the arm while the BJP had to bite the dust.

Results of the bypolls were seen as a litmus test for the ruling Congress-JD(S) alliance. The pre-poll tie-up for bypolls has worked for the alliance and it now seems that the electoral arrangement will continue for the Lok Sabha polls next year.

While the Congress fielded its candidates in Jamakhandi and Bellary, JD(S) contested in Shimoga, Ramanagara and Mandya as part of their electoral understanding.

The Congress managed to retain Jamakhandi and wrest the Bellary Lok Sabha seat from the BJP. The JD(S) has retained both Mandya Lok Sabha and Ramanagara Assembly seats.

The only succour for the BJP is that it has been able to retain the Shimoga Lok Sabha seat.

The BJP had been dubbing the alliance as “unholy” and had predicted its fall soon after the bypolls. But the electorate seems to have other thoughts and seem to have accepted the ruling coalition.

With the bypolls behind them, the alliance partners will be meeting over the next few days to discuss Cabinet expansion and also the appointment to boards and corporations.

There are a total of seven vacancies in the H D Kumaraswamy Cabinet. The Congress can fill five and the JD(S) two.

ALSO READ: After 14 years, BJP set to lose Bellary Lok Sabha seat

EXCLUSIVE | Jubilant Anitha Kumaraswamy has big plans for Ramanagara

D K Shivakumar's strategy wins Bellary for Cong