The Election Commission of India has announced biennial elections to seven seats in the Karnataka Legislative Council, setting the stage for a contest that will test party strength in the Assembly and shape the composition of the Upper House for the next term.
Voting by Members of the Legislative Assembly will take place on June 18 to fill vacancies arising from the retirement of seven members whose terms conclude on June 30.
The outgoing members are Govinda Raju, Naseer Ahmed, N. Nagaraju (MTB), Prathap Simha Nayak K., Tippannappa, Sunil Vallyapur and B. K. Hariprasad.
With 136 MLAs, the Congress holds a clear numerical advantage over the BJP and the JD(S), placing the ruling party in a strong position in the contest.
The Congress currently remains the largest party in the 75-member Legislative Council and is expected to retain its advantage after the biennial polls.
