Counting for the Karnataka byelection results began at 8 am today. The bypolls were held to fill the vacancies caused by the disqualification of 17 rebel Congress and JD(S) MLAs, whose revolt led to collapse of the H D Kumaraswamy-led coalition government in July and paved the way for BJP to come to power.15 Karnataka assembly seats went to polls on December 5 in a crucial election for Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.

BJP is leading in Yellapur, Chikkaballapur, Vijayanagara and Mahalaxmi Layout constituencies. Congress is leading in Shivajinagar and Hunasuru constituencies while JDS is leading in KR Pete and Independent candidate SK Bachegowda is leading in Hosakote as per Election Commission trends.

BJP candidate Shivaram Hebbar has secured a lead of over 19,000 votes in Yellapur. BJP’s Mahesh Kumthalli is also leading with 12,600 votes in Athani.

Taking a reversal in trend, BJP is now ahead of JD(S) by a slim margin in Krishnarajpet. In Ranibennur, BJP’s Arunakumar is leading by 4414votes against his Congress rival.

Yediyurappasounded confident and said that the party will stay in power by winning at least 13 of the 15 seats. The party needs 6 seats to remain in power.

Earlier, BS Yediyurappa also sounded confident and said that the party will stay in power by winning at least 13 of the 15 seats. The party needs 6 seats to remain in power.

The outcome of the bypoll, which recorded 67.91% polling, is crucial for BJP, which needs to win at least six seats to remain in majority. As of now, the BJP has 105 MLAs (including an independent), the Congress 66 and the JD(S) 34. Besides, there is one BSP member, a nominated MLA and the Speaker.

All arrangements, including security, have been made for the counting of votes.