Results prove only BJP, Cong can survive in DK; 42 candidates lose deposits

Mangaluru, May 18: The results of recent Karnataka assembly polls have once again proved that there is no future for any other party except the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress in the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada at least for next few years.

As many as 58 candidates were in the fray in eight assembly constituencies of the district. The BJP has won seven out of eight constituencies and lost one to Congress. The seven defeated MLA candidates from Congress and one from BJP have managed secure sufficient votes to claim their deposits. However all other 42 candidates have lost their deposits.

As per the Representation of Peoples Act, a candidate retains his deposit if he secures more than 1/6 of the total votes polled. The deposit losers include four candidates from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), five from the Janata Dal (Secular) and seven from the newly-formed All India Mahila Empowerment Party (MEP).

CPI(M) leader Muneer Katipalla who had expressed his confidence to win from Mangaluru North, managed to secure only 2,472 votes, probably lesser than the total number of CPI (M) workers/supporters in the constituency.

Party hopper K Ashraf, who had poised to defeat former minister U T Khader in Mangaluru constituency, could secure only 3,692 votes in spite of rigorous campaign by the JD(S). Former BJP leader Srikar Prabhu, who had contested as independent candidate in Mangaluru South too has lost his deposit.