Politics 18 Jun, 2026

Karnataka MLC polls for seven seats: Ruling Congress wins five, BJP two

Business To Business, Bengaluru, 18^th June, 2026:  In the first significant electoral test after the formation of the new government led by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, the ruling Indian National Congress secured a comfortable victory in the elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council.
Of the seven Legislative Council (MLC) seats elected by Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs):

• Congress won five seats.
• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won two seats.

Eight candidates had contested for the seven available seats, with voting taking place at Vidhana Soudha.
According to political sources, the results suggest the possibility of cross-voting by legislators from the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)).
The indication comes from the fact that Congress candidates reportedly secured more votes than the party's expected numerical strength in the Assembly, while some opposition candidates appear to have received fewer votes than anticipated.
However, detailed vote-by-vote figures would be needed to conclusively establish the extent and direction of any cross-voting.
The outcome is politically important because it is the first electoral contest involving MLAs since Shivakumar assumed office as Chief Minister.
The result may be viewed by Congress as:

• An endorsement of its legislative strength.
• Evidence of effective coalition and floor management.
• A boost to the new government's political momentum.

For the BJP and JD(S), reports of cross-voting could trigger internal reviews of party discipline and legislative cohesion.
A stronger presence in the Legislative Council gives Congress greater influence in the state's bicameral legislature, helping it advance government business and navigate the legislative process more effectively.
The election outcome therefore strengthens the ruling party's position in Karnataka's political landscape while providing an early indication of the balance of power under the new state government.