Dec 30 :In the Assmbly By-Elections in Karnataka today BJP won five seats and JD(S) three. With this win , BJP has gained absolute majority in the 224 members Assembly. Its strength had gone up from 110 to 115. The Yedurappa Government was earlier depending on the support of 6 independant MLAs to muster simple majority. The strength of JD(S) is up from 23 to 26 seats.
Congress remains at 77 after three of its MLAs defected to BJP and contested in this election. All the four ministers in the present Cabinet who defected from other parties have won in the election. Former Chief Minister Mr. H D Kumaraswamy’s wife Mrs. Anita Kumaraswamy was a surprise winner.
Mr. B S Yeddyurappa has termed the verdict as a positive vote for stability and development. The wife of State party President and wife of H D Kumaraswamy has won from the most backward district Madhugiri in Tumkur district. Three wins definitely gave them a moral boost. But limelight was on BJP today which not only got the mandate to rule without anxiety but also consolidated its position in areas which is considered stronghold of Congress and JD(S).