Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

BJP leaders celebrate after winning four seats in the Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) polls, in Hubballi, on October 28, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

1. Karnataka Council polls: BJP-JD(S) alliance sweeps all four seats

In a setback to the ruling Congress, the BJP-JD(S) alliance won all four Karnataka Legislative Council seats that went to polls on October 23 — two teachers’ and two graduates’ constituencies. Congress earlier held one of the four seats. The results strip the Congress of its majority in the Upper House that it had gained after winning five of the seven seats — elected by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly — in June this year.

With the fresh mandate, Congress has 37 members in the 75-member Upper House — one seat down. The Janata Dal (Secular) has increased its tally from six to seven while the BJP, after retaining all the three seats, has steadied its strength at 24. The Congress, however, has an opportunity to increase its tally since five seats nominated by the government are yet to be filled.

In the results announced on October 27, in the Bengaluru Teachers’ constituency, JD(S) candidate A.P. Ranganath trounced five time member and former Deputy Chairman Puttanna, while in the Karnataka North East Teachers constituency, BJP’s Shashil Namoshi entered the Council for a fifth term after defeating Congress nominee Sharanappa Mattur.

In the results announced on October 28 after overnight counting, BJP’s K.M. Suresha defeated Congress candidate Shashi Hulikuntemutt in Karnataka South East Graduates’ constituency. In the Karnataka West Graduates constituency, sitting BJP member S.V. Sankanur defeated former MLC and Congress candidate Mohan Limbikai.

2. Setback to Congress raises questions over leadership and strategy for 2028 Assembly elections

The ruling Congress’s defeat in all four Karnataka Legislative Council constituencies for graduates and teachers is being seen as a setback for Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, raising questions about the party’s organisational strength, collective leadership, and its strategy ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.

The results suggest that the Congress’s political messaging failed to resonate with sections of the graduate and teacher electorate, who are expected to be shaping public opinion on government policy. The losses in constituencies considered regional strongholds of Congress leaders could also trigger questions about their influence and campaign effectiveness.

KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad has said the party will conduct a comprehensive review of its organisational and political shortcomings. The review would also examine the State government’s response to concerns raised by teachers and graduates, including job insecurity, challenges in the education system and issues affecting their professional interests.

3. Coordinated efforts helped BJP-JD(S) combine make a clean sweep

The clean sweep of elections to Karnataka Legislative Council from the four teachers and graduates constituencies by NDA partners BJP and JD(S) against the ruling Congress is being attributed to the “unified and coordinated” efforts between them that percolated to the grassroots level.

The BJP and JD(S) entered into an alliance during 2024 Lok Sabha polls at the instance of their national leaders. However, barring the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in which the alliance partners managed to win 12 of the total 14 seats, the potential of the alliance had not been fully tapped.

This was being blamed on a lack of unity and co-ordination between the allies due to mistrust and the fear of losing identity. However, the compelling need for political survival appears to have made the allies understand the importance of working together as they have to now take on Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar known for aggressive strategies and organisational skills. 

Published - October 28, 2026 07:57 pm IST