As the election results trickle in, it seems like the BJP has swept the polls in Karnataka. The party is leading in 24 out of 28 Lok Sabha constituencies, including several crucial ones like Kalaburgi (Gulbarga), Tumakuru (Tumkur) and Kolar.
The Congress is leading in only two seats – Bengaluru Rural and Chamarajanagar – while the JD(S) is leading in Hassan.
Speaking to the media, BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa said that the electorate has “taught the Congress a befitting lesson” by supporting the BJP.
“Many stalwarts, including former PM HD Deve Gowda, leader of Opposition for Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, former Union Ministers Veerappa Moily and KH Muniyappa, have lost terribly. This shows that the people of Karnataka have believed in Narendra Modi. The people have taught a befitting lesson to Siddaramaiah, who spoke arrogantly against Narendra Modi and the BJP,” Yeddyurappa said.
Calling the 2019 elections a historic one for the BJP, Yeddyurappa thanked the electorate for the trust they placed in the party.
“In the history of Karnataka elections, the people of Karnataka have for the first time given BJP a thumping majority. We are leading in 24 seats for the first time and creating history. In North Karnataka, coastal Karnataka and Malnad region, the people have supported us unconditionally. I thank them immensely for this,” he added.
Yeddyurappa said that the lack of developmental works, the betrayal people suffered after the coalition went back on its promise of waiving farm loans, and massive corruption had left the voters disillusioned.
“Besides, massive corruption in the coalition government, the rampant discrepancies in transfer of officials have all resulted in the people losing confidence in the Congress and JD(S),” he said.
When asked whether the coalition government would fall, Yeddyurappa said that the BJP has decided to wait and watch. He said that the BJP is waiting for the Congress and JDS to make a decision.
“We will wait and see what happens next, I cannot tell you now. The decision has to be taken by Congress and JDS leaders. I don’t want to say anything now. I saw on TV that the JDS state president Vishwanath has resigned, but let us wait till tomorrow and see what happens. We are also awaiting decisions from the central leadership,” he added.
Agencies
