As expected, the Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) led by lingayat leader BS Yeddyurappa played the spoilsport for the ruling BJP in the urban local body elections, helping the Congress score a massive victory. The outcome of the polls has sent alarm bells for the State BJP, which has been battling dissension and instability over a long period.
Out of 4,952 wards, the Congress bagged 1,960, BJP 906, JDS 906, KJP (Yeddyurappa) 274, independents 776, and BSR party of B Sriramulu got just 86.
Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar attributed the defeat to the infighting within the party. "I am satisfied with the results. We have to see the results in the context of infighting and formation of two parties," he said.
"It's a warning bell to our rivals who thought the BJP would be wiped out. It has not happened. BJP is intact" he said.
Noting that a large number of independents have won, he said this showed that local issues weighed heavily on the minds of the voters, Shettar added.
Many in the ruling party feel that the defeat was due to the caste polarisation and the BSY factor. "It is a lesson to the party and to the high command, which compelled BSY to go out," a senior leader in the ruling party said.
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda expressed shock over the rout of the party and said the BJP had been taught a lesson for squabbling.
Elections to 207 UlBs -- seven city corporations, 43 city municipal corporations, 65 town municipal councils and 92 town panchayats were held on March 7.
The Congress won the city corporations of Davanagere, Mangalore and Bellary. In fact, the BJP was routed in Bellary, where it drew a blank. Mysore and Gulbarga city corporation elections were marked by fractured mandate.
In the last urban local body polls in 2007, of the total 5,007 wards, the Congress had come first winning 1,606, followed by JD(S) 1,502 and BJP 1,180.
Meanwhile, the State Congress chief G Parameshwara said, "It is clear mandate in our favour. The mandate is also precursor to Assembly elections. It shows people need change and are fed-up with the BJP Government".