The verdict for the By-elections held for eight assembly constituencies of Karnataka is just around the corner. The counting has begun amid tight security. It is estimated that around 74 percent of the 1.3 voters have cast their votes.
Seven seats were left vacant due to "Operation Lotus" launched by the BJP, during which it successfully engineered defections from Congress and JDS. It is left to be seen whether the "Operation Lotus" of BJP is able to get it majority in 224 member assembly.
This election is very critical for the prestige of BJP as the four defectors Balachandra Jarkhiholi, K. Shivana Gouda Naik, Umesh Katti (all formerly of JD-S) and Anand Asnotikar (formerly Congress) are contesting as its candidates.
The hottest seat is perhaps Madhugiri where Anita Kumaraswamy is contesting against C. Chennigappa, the JD-S defector. Anita is 44-year-old wife of former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and runs Kasturi, a Kannada TV channel.
Update : BJP is all set to gain majority as it won six out of eight seats as counting results are coming. Balachandra Jarakiholi won in Arabhavi, Umesh Katti in Hukkeri, K Shivanagowda Naik in Devadurga and Anand Asnotikar in Karwar. J Narasimha Swamy won in Doddaballapur and M D Lakshminarayana in Turuvekere.