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Congress sweeps local elections in Karnataka

Fakir Chand in Bangalore

The results of the local body elections in Karnataka will silence even the bitterest critic of S M Krishna, the state's infotech-savvy chief minister, with the ruling Congress getting a massive mandate from the rural masses.

The outcome of the elections, held over the week in two phases, was very crucial for Krishna, who is accused of being pro-urban (read pro-rich) and focusing the entire attention of investors on Bangalore.

As the last results came in, a beaming Krishna said the verdict had vindicated his government's policies. After having successfully hosted the Global Investors' Meet earlier in the week, where he managed to secure Rs 10 billion in investments in two days, the results came as the icing on the cake.

The Congress bagged 26 of the 27 district panchayats, winning 649 of the 890 seats, and around 2,099 of the 3,055 block [taluk] panchayats across the state.

The opposition was completely routed. The Janata Dal United, which had held sway over the local bodies for the last five years, had to be contend with 357 taluk panchayats. The JD-Secular bagged 300 and the BJP just 249. Of the district panchayats, the JD-U could retain only 73, JD-S 80 and BJP 41.

Party workers say people have reposed faith in Krishna for toning up the administration. His no-nonsense approach towards bureaucrats, surprise visits to government offices, introduction of swipe cards to ensure punctuality and check absenteeism, and ruthless action against the corrupt has endeared him to the people.

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