The Sandur assembly by-election results for 2024 were announced after 19 rounds of intense counting, with Congress candidate E. Annapurna Tukaram clinching a decisive victory. Annapurna, the wife of former MLA E. Tukaram, secured 93,612 votes, defeating BJP candidate Bangaru Hanumanthu, who garnered 83,962 votes. The Congress victory came with a substantial margin of 9,651 votes, solidifying its position in Karnataka’s political landscape.
Detailed Results
- E. Annapurna Tukaram (Congress): 93,606 votes + 6 postal votes
- Bangaru Hanumanthu (BJP): 83,961 votes + 1 postal vote
- Anjenappa: 632 votes
- Venkanna: 461 votes
- Yerriswamy: 278 votes
- Maruthi: 211 votes
- NOTA (None of the Above): 1,040 votes
Congress’ Rising Influence
The victory in Sandur marks a critical win for Congress in Karnataka, as it not only defeats the BJP but also counters the BJP-JDS alliance’s efforts to consolidate power. The by-election was necessitated after the sitting MLA resigned to contest the Lok Sabha elections, making this a high-stakes battle for both parties.
Congress framed its campaign around development promises and the implementation of welfare schemes. Annapurna’s familial connection to former MLA E. Tukaram also played a significant role in garnering votes from loyal supporters.
Bangaru Hanumanthu’s Reaction
The BJP candidate, Bangaru Hanumanthu, acknowledged his defeat but criticized the election process. Speaking to the media after leaving the counting center, Hanumanthu stated:
“This is a religious war. Iniquity has won. I bear full responsibility for this loss and apologize to my supporters for failing to secure this seat. However, the influence of money and community politics played a significant role in this election.”
He also accused the Congress of misusing its resources, alleging that guarantee scheme payouts and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s active campaign in Sandur tipped the scales in favor of the ruling party.
Implications of the By-Election
The Sandur victory, alongside wins in Channapatna and Shiggaon, marks a significant setback for the BJP-JDS alliance, which had hoped to use these bypolls as a show of strength. Congress’ dominance in all three seats reflects its growing foothold in Karnataka, bolstering its standing ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
In Sandur, E. Annapurna’s win underscores Congress’ ability to retain its traditional strongholds, particularly with the support of Kuruba and Muslim communities. Meanwhile, the BJP faces challenges in recovering from internal dissent and allegations of poor strategy in the state.
Broader Context
The by-elections, held on November 13, were contested in three constituencies — Sandur, Channapatna, and Shiggaon. While Congress triumphed in all three, high-profile battles such as Nikhil Kumaraswamy’s run in Channapatna and Bharat Bommai’s debut in Shiggaon kept political watchers riveted. The results are expected to set the tone for future political campaigns in Karnataka.
With these victories, Congress has sent a strong message about its resurgence in the state, leaving the BJP-JDS alliance to strategize and recalibrate its approach for upcoming elections.