The Janata Dal (Secular) has put paid to the hopes of the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP in the election to the Legislative Council from the Bangalore Teachers constituency.
On Tuesday, Puttanna of the JD(S) emerged victorious by defeating his nearest rival Neelaiah of the BJP.
While Mr. Puttanna, who registered a hat-trick, bagged 8,531 votes, Mr. Neelaiah secured 5,531 votes. B.K. Venkatesh of the Congress got 114 votes while Independent candidate Gururaj Karajagi bagged 1,456 votes.
A total of eight candidates contested the election. A total of 44.91 per cent of voters exercised their franchise on June 20.
The BJP, which relied upon continuation of ‘Modi wave’ in the Council elections, failed to wrest the seat from the JD(S). Three Union Ministers and party leaders had campaigned for Mr. Neelaiah.
During his campaign, Mr. Puttanna had highlighted problems being faced by teachers.
JD(S) leaders congratulated Mr. Puttanna on his victory.