Biennial polls to Council: Cong hopes to boost strength

In a crucial test for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, biennial elections for 25 seats of Karnataka Legislative Council from local authorities constituencies will be held tomorrow, in which the ruling Congress is hoping to boost its strength in the Upper House.
The three major players, Congress, its principal rival BJP and JDS have gone all out to put up a good show, with 125 candidates in the fray -- 117 men and eight women.
Congress is lacking numers in the 75-member Council because of which it has often faced piquant situations with BJP and JDS joining hands on certain issues.
The partywise strength is: BJP-30, Congress-28, JDS-11, Independents-4, besides Chairman. One seat is vacant.

Siddaramaiah has been claiming that the Congress would bag 20 seats. The Congress faced rebels in some districts but has expelled them for not falling in line.
The ruling party has fielded 21 candidates, BJP 20, JDS 18 and others 6, besides 60 independents.

All major political parties have accused each other of luring voters with expensive gifts and cash rewards in various constituencies.
The elections are being held as the term of office of 25 members of the Council from local authorities constituencies is due to expire on January 5.
Counting of votes will be on December 30.