Karnataka: In the first nine rounds of counting, the ruling BJP is trailing the opposition Congress by 4,719 votes in Karnataka's prestigious Hanagal Assembly constituency. However, the BJP is edging closer to victory in Sindagi with a clear lead of 20,761 votes.

Srinivas Mane of the Congress received 40,785 votes in Hanagal, while Shivaraj Sajjanar of the BJP received 36,066 votes. Only 432 votes were cast for JD (S) candidate Shakila Angadi. Nazir, an independent candidate, received 455 votes, edging out the JD (S) candidate.

Basavaraj Bommai, the Chief Minister, reacted by saying that Hanagal has always been a difficult terrain for the BJP and that winning margins have always been razor-thin. "We continue to believe that the BJP will win the Hanagal constituency," he said. The BJP has refused to give a ticket to the powerful family of late Minister C.M. Udasi, who was the constituency's representative. Because this is Chief Minister Bommai's hometown, the outcome of this constituency is critical.

However, by the end of the 16th round, the BJP had amassed a massive lead of 20,761 votes, edging closer to victory in Vijayapura district's Sindagi constituency. Ramesh Bhusanoor of the BJP received 68,444 votes, while Ashok Mane of the Congress received 47,683 votes. Niyaz Sheik of the JD (S) received 2,865 votes.

Bye-election: Counting of votes continues, credibility of many veterans at stake

Voting continues for by-elections, know where how much voting took place

Bye-Election: Voting in 3 Lok Sabha and 29 Assembly seats today