Chandrakanth Bellad and his team make clean sweep in elections to Vidyavardhak Sangha

Incumbent president Chandrakanth Bellad's faction sweeps Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha elections, securing victory in intense battles for key positions.

The faction led by incumbent president Chandrakanth Bellad made a clean sweep in the elections to Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha, the results of which were announced on Monday evening.

The elections to the 135-year-old sangha, a representative body of Kannada and Kannadigas, evoked much interest this time, as candidates with affiliation to two national parties were in the fray forming two panels.

While the faction led by incumbent president sought votes based on the work it has done, the faction led by the former MLC Mohan Limbikai accused the present body of not having done much for Kannada and Kannadigas and appealed for a vote for change.

However, when the counting of votes concluded, it was evident that the electorate, which comprised writers, artistes, politicians, religious heads, professionals and people from different walks of life, has decided in favour of the existing office-bearers.

Mr. Bellad managed to win the elections for the second time by defeating his opponent Mohan Limbikai by a margin of 550 votes.

In the previous election held after the demise of veteran journalist Patil Puttappa, Mr.  Bellad won comfortably with a margin of 1,650 votes.

This time, Mr. Bellad, who is a former MLA, fetched 2,328 polls, while Mr. Limbikai polled 1,816 votes. Two other contenders Hanumakshi Gogi and Chandrashekhar Rayar got 204 and 39 votes, respectively.