Cong loses its heavyweight as Rai era ends in Bantwal; BJP’s Rajesh Naik is new MLA

Mangaluru, May 15: Congress stalwart B Ramanath Rai, who served as the minster for forest, environment and ecology in outgoing government, was defeated by BJP’s Rajesh Naik in Bantwal assembly constituency.

This is second defeat for Mr Rai in past eight assembly polls. He has created a history by winning six times in the same constituency. He was defeated by BJP’s Nagaraja Shetty in 2004.

Rajesh Naik, who had tasted defeat at the hands of Rai in 2013, this defeated the latter by a margin of around 15 thousand voters. Details are awaited.