(Image source from: Karnataka Zilla)

The counting of votes in the Taluk Panchayat and zilla Panchayat elections held in two phases on February 12 and 20 is in progress in Karnataka. Some of the results have come out, giving a mixed response with BJP and Congress gaining and JD (S) in a distant third.

The latest report from the Karnataka State Election commission out of 1,083 Zilla Panchayat seats, the results of 1,038 seats have been declared. The BJP has won 390, Congress 488, Janata Dal (Secular) 131, CPM 1, Independent 27, JD (U) 1.

Out of 3,884 Taluk Panchayat seats, the results of 3,787 seats have been declared. The BJP has won 1,331, Congress 1,665 Janata Dal (Secular) 585, BSP 5, CPM 6, Independent 179, Janata Dal (U) 9, Others 17.

In the 175 Taluk Panchayats, the Congress was ahead in 52, the BJP in 47 and JD(S) in 11. While independents managed to back 12 taluks, a hung verdict was witnessed in 2.

"The results of Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections have vindicated people's support to our government's development programs, " Chief minister Siddaramaiah said. "Issues for civic polls are different from issues debated during Assembly and Lok Sabha elections," he said.

A total of 74.37 per cent voting was recorded in the first phase held on February 12 while the second phase saw a voter turnout of 68 to 70 per cent in 15 districts. A total of 2,159 candidates contested the Zilla Panchayat polls and 6,457 contestants were in the fray for Taluk Panchayat seats.

The results of these grassroots level elections is seen as a run up to the 2018 assembly elections as it would reflect the political mood of the people. All the three major political parties - Congress, BJP and JD(S) – has made good efforts to attract voters through their aggressive campaigns.

By Premji