The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has scored a significant victory in the crucial town panchayat elections in Dakshina Kannada district, securing a majority in Bajpe and emerging as the single largest party in Kinnigoli. The results for these first-ever town panchayat polls, held after the upgradation of the former gram panchayats four years ago, were officially declared on Wednesday, December 27.
Decisive Victory in Bajpe Panchayat
In the Bajpe Town Panchayat, elections were conducted for a total of 19 seats. The BJP put up a dominant performance, winning an outright majority by securing 11 seats. The Indian National Congress managed to win four seats, while the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) captured three. One seat was claimed by an independent candidate. The electoral battle in Bajpe saw a fierce contest with 59 candidates in the fray. The counting of votes was carried out at the Mangaluru Mini Vidhana Soudha.
BJP Emerges Largest in Kinnigoli
The contest in the Kinnigoli Town Panchayat presented a more closely fought scenario. Here, the BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 10 seats. The Congress followed closely behind, securing 8 seats. A total of 42 candidates contested in Kinnigoli, with the vote counting process taking place at the Kinnigoli town panchayat office itself.
Celebrations and Political Significance
Following the announcement of the results, jubilant BJP workers and leaders celebrated the twin victories in both Bajpe and Kinnigoli. The celebrations were attended by prominent local leaders including Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and DK BJP president Sathish Kumpala. These elections, held on December 21, mark an important political milestone as they are the first town panchayat polls since the administrative upgradation of both Bajpe and Kinnigoli from gram panchayats to town panchayats four years ago. The results are seen as a key indicator of the political mood at the grassroots level in the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada.
