Split Karnataka CM terms back on the table amid Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar tussle? Here's the scoop

The National Democratic Alliance secured a 4-0 clean sweep in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections, dealing a significant political setback to the ruling Congress party in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party won three seats, while its ally Janata Dal (Secular) secured the fourth by toppling Congress candidate Puttanna in the Bengaluru Teachers seat. The Bharatiya Janata Party retained the Northeast Teachers constituency, located in Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's home turf, alongside the West Graduate and Southeast Graduate seats. Following the victory, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders criticised Congress, pointing out that the elections were conducted via ballot papers rather than electronic voting machines, blunting opposition allegations regarding voting machines. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular) termed the result a decisive mandate against the state government, while Congress representatives acknowledged the loss as an occasion to learn lessons, maintaining the outcome reflected a narrow constituency rather than a broader verdict on governance.

A ruling party address highlighted the recent legislative council elections conducted through ballot papers and ballot boxes, stating that the opposition party failed to secure voter backing. The address maintained that electoral difficulties stem not from electronic voting machines, voter lists, or ballot papers, but from internal disarray and a reluctance to work among the electorate. Attention was also drawn to party leaders travelling overseas during critical periods instead of engaging in sustained public outreach. Furthermore, the opposition state unit in Kerala tendered an unconditional apology following an objectionable social media post concerning the Chief Justice of India. The address noted earlier instances involving edited videos of the Union Home Minister during parliamentary polls to assert a pattern of confronting constitutional bodies. Referring to past apologies tendered before the highest court, the address questioned the accountability of the opposition leadership regarding persistent attacks on constitutional institutions.

The Madras High Court has observed that non-Hindus seeking entry into Agamic temples must sign an undertaking affirming their faith in the deity. The court stated that individuals carrying non-Hindu religious symbols cannot enter without declaring their belief and criticised photo ops inside temple premises. Referring to the implementation of the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, the court cited Chief Minister Vijay signing the temple register as an example. The bench clarified that Agamic temples adhere to traditional entry norms, where restrictions regarding the Garbha Griha apply even to other Hindus.

The National Democratic Alliance secured a 4-0 clean sweep in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections across four constituencies, dealing a blow to the ruling Congress. The Bharatiya Janata Party bagged the Northeast Teachers, West Graduates, and Southeast Graduates seats, while its ally Janata Dal (Secular) won the Bengaluru Teachers constituency. With the polling conducted through paper ballots instead of electronic voting machines, the Bharatiya Janata Party mocked the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, asserting that voters continue to back the NDA regardless of whether paper ballots or EVMs are used. The party also targeted Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on social media following the outcome. Responding to the results, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge maintained that while the party accepts democratic outcomes and will draw lessons, the defeat does not serve as a mandate on the performance of the state government due to the limited and specialised nature of the electorate comprising teachers and graduates.