Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has maintained that the results would not be a referendum on the performance of his government. (PTI file photo)
Ruling Congress today edged ahead of BJP in the in Taluk and Zilla Panchayat elections in Karnataka, where polls were held in two phases.
In keenly contested polls, Congress has emerged victorious in 498 out of the total 1,083 zilla panchayat seats for which elections were held on February 13 and 20.
While BJP and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda-led JD(S) have bagged 408 and 148 seats respectively, independents have won in 27 seats with CPI(M) and JD(U) securing one each.
In the taluk panchayat out of the 3,884 seats, Congress has won 1,705 seats, while BJP and JD(S) have won 1,362 and 610 seats respectively. 179 independents are among the victorious candidates. JD(U) got nine seats, CPI(M) 6, BSP 5 and ohers eight.
Congress is likely to have hold on 10 zilla panchayats, BJP in 7 and JD(S) in 2, while there is hung panchayat in 11 districts.
A total of 73.94 per cent voting was recorded in the first phase held on February 13 while the second phase saw a voter turnout of 69.32 per cent.
Recently of the three assembly seats that went to by-polls, due to the death of sitting members, BJP had won in two and Congress in one.
While accepting that the results were not according to the expectations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said it is not a referendum against his government.
"I had said during the elections that the outcome of this poll will not be a referendum, but it will be an opportunity to know the public opinion. This poll results clearly indicates public opinion...it is not according to our expectations. We will work more efficiently and effectively in implementing our programmes and fulfilling promises made to public," he said.
In what can be termed as major setback to Mr Siddaramaiah, Congress candidate was defeated in Varuna, his home constituency in Mysuru.
Also hinting at Cabinet reshuffle in the near future, he said "there may be a cabinet reshuffle after the budget, but it has nothing to do with this poll outcome."