Early trends show BJP leading in 12 seats in Karnataka bypolls

Bengaluru, Karnataka's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in 10 of the 15 seats where by-elections were held on December 5. The BS Yediyurappa-led government needs to win six seats to retain power in the state. The BJP currently has the simple majority of 105 in the 208 member assembly. The strength of the assembly was reduced following the disqualification of 17 MLAs.

The HD Kumaraswamy government fell in July when 17 legislators from Congress and JD(S) resigned. The disqualification of the MLAs by the then Karnataka assembly speaker necessitated the by-elections.

The Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) combine needs to win at least 12 seats to unseat the Yediyurappa government. The two parties have a combined strength of 101 seats in the assembly.

We have accepted defeat: Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Bypolls results: We have to agree with the mandate of the voters of these 15 constituencies. People have accepted the defectors. We have accepted defeat, I don't think we have to be disheartened, reports news agency ANI.