Exit polls claim Nikhil holds edge over Yogeshwar in Channapatna

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Exit polls have predicted a close contest in the Channapatna Assembly by-election, with JD(S)-BJP coalition candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy appearing to have a slight edge over Congress candidate C.P. Yogeshwar. Yogeshwar, a former BJP MLC, resigned from his post and joined Congress after being denied a ticket to contest the by-election in Channapatna. According to the survey data, Congress is expected to secure around 41% of the votes, while the JD(S) is likely to garner 45%, leaving 14% for other candidates. Predictions by PMARQ suggest that the JD(S), an NDA ally, is on track to retain this crucial seat, which has been a focal point of the campaign.

Congress poised to win Sandur: In Sandur, the Congress appears to be ahead, with surveys predicting a 43% vote share for the party. The BJP is likely to secure 40%, while other candidates are expected to get 17%. The Congress fielded E. Annapurna, wife of Bellary MP E. Tukaram, who is challenging BJP’s Bangaru Hanumanthu. Sandur was previously held by Tukaram, adding to the Congress's confidence of reclaiming the constituency.

BJP expected to retain Shiggaon: In Shiggaon, the BJP seems set to maintain its hold, with surveys predicting a 47% vote share for the party compared to 41% for Congress. The remaining 12% of the votes are likely to go to other candidates. The BJP's Bharath Bommai, son of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, is contesting against Yasir Ahmed Khan of Congress.

PMARQ forecasts a BJP victory in the constituency, which has long been a stronghold for the Bommai family. The by-election results are keenly awaited as they are expected to reflect the mood of the electorate ahead of the next elections.