Yeddyurappa suffers setback in home turf in urban local body poll
Bengaluru: In a setback to state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa, the Congress has won majority of wards in his constituency of Shikaripura in Shivamogga district, in the town municipal council poll there for which results were declared Monday.
Of 23 wards in Shikaripura that went to polls Saturday, the Congress has won in 12, the BJP 8 and independents in 3.
The BJP's performance has not been that good in other Uurban Local Bodies (ULB)s of Shivamogga district, considered as its bastion.
In Shiralakoppa town panchayat, the Congress has won in 7 out of 17 wards that went to polls, while the BJP managed 2, the JD(S) 3 and Independents 5.
In Hosanagara town panchayat, of 11 wards, the Congress and BJP managed to win 4 each, the JD(S) 3. In the district's Soraba town panchayat and Sagara municipal council, BJP's performance is somewhat better.
While the BJP won 6 of 12 wards in Soraba, the Congress has won 4, JD(S) and independents have won in one each. In Sagara of 31 wards, the BJP bagged 16, Congress 9, JD(S) 1 andindependents 5.
The Congress and JD(S), which are in alliance in the state, had decided to go to polls separately and had asked its localleadership to decide on any understanding between the partieslocally depending on the prevailing situation there.
Results were declared on Monday for a total 140 wards in Shivamogga and Bengaluru Rural that went to polls Saturday.
Of 140 wards, the Congress is leading by winning 53 wards, the BJP 40, JD(S) 28, BSP 1 and independents 18.
After a rout in the recent Lok Sabha polls, the Congressin Karnataka heaved a sigh of relief last week as the party had won the highest number of seats in the May 29 ULB polls, for which the results were declared Friday.
While the Congress won 509 out of total 1,221 wards in 56urban local bodies for which results were declared on Friday, the BJP was victorious in 366 wards; JD(S) that went alone won 174 wards, BSP in 3, CPI(M) 2, others 7 and independents in 160, the state election commission said.
Meanwhile, Pradesh Congress president Dineh Gundu Rao has asked the party's local leadership to go in for a post poll alliance with JD(S) and independents to gain power in local bodies.
Pointing out that the Congress and JD(S) have majority in many local bodies, in a message he has asked his party men to gain power in those local bodies with support of the regionalparty and independents.
"Wherever we have majority, take cooperation of JD(S), wherever JD(S) has majority cooperate with them and where both of us lack majority seek support of independents. At no cost, the BJP should be allowed to join hands with them.
If there are issues that cannot be resolved at local level bring it to to the notice of the KPCC," the message to local leaders read.
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Easter celebrated with zeal across Goa; devotees throng churches
Panaji (PTI): Goa erupted in festive joy on Sunday, as thousands of devotees thronged churches and chapels across the coastal state to celebrate Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ with midnight vigils and traditional feasts.
From the historic cathedrals of Old Goa to small chapels in Salcete and Bardez, thousands of devotees attended midnight and morning services to witness the blessing of the Paschal candle, marking the end of the 40-day Lenten fast.
In many villages, the festival also heralds the season of feasts in churches and community festivities, a cherished cultural tradition in the coastal state.
Streets around major churches teemed with vehicles, causing heavy traffic as worshippers and visitors attended services.
Priests, in their Easter homilies, emphasised hope, renewal and compassion, urging the faithful to carry the spirit of sacrifice and resurrection into their daily lives.
Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant extended warm greetings to the people of Goa.
Easter symbolises hope, renewal and the triumph of life over adversity, Raju said.
The governor, in his message, stated that the festival commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, reminding people of the values of compassion, forgiveness and faith, which are essential for building a harmonious and inclusive society.
The chief minister described Easter as a celebration of new beginnings, brotherhood and humanity.
The festival carries a deeper message of faith and hope, he said, appealing to the people to live out that message through acts of love and service.
VIDEO | Goa: Midnight Easter mass held at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 5, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/rTSrWuaKae
