New Delhi:
BS Yeddyurappa, the BJP's chief minister candidate for Karnataka, has won the seat from Shikaripura by a margin of more than 35,000 votes. The former Karnataka CM had previously won the seat from the same constituency in Shivamogga six times.
Yeddyurappa, who also holds a parliamentary seat from Shivamogga, defeated Congress’ G Malatesga in Shikaripura.
Early trends suggest that BJP would cross the majority mark and form the government in the coastal state. BS Yeddyurappa, who campaigned aggressively for the election, will become BJP’s first chief minister in Karnataka.
BS Yeddyurappa wins in Shikaripura. In a few hours from now, @BSYBJP will lead a stable and strong BJP government in Karnataka as Chief Minister. Congratulations!
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 15, 2018
Karnataka has spoken and spoken decisively!#BJPWinsKarnataka
Ahead of the election results, Yeddyruppa had predicted that his party would win more than 120 seats in the assembly elections.
The 75-year-old leader announced that he had taken an appointment with Karnataka Governor for 5pm. BJP should form the government as it is the single largest party in the state as per voting, he added.
100 percent we will form the government: BS Yeddyurappa #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/06633TqFBv
— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018