The counting of votes for the 5,728 gram panchayats in Karnataka is currently underway, with the candidates backed by BJP ahead of those of the Congress and JD(S), according to early trends. Counting of votes began at 8am.

The announcement of the results may get delayed as ballot papers were used in all polls except for Bidar district, news agency PTI said quoting poll officials. In Bidar district, EVMs had been used for polling.

The elections were held in two phases in December. The first phase saw 43,238 seats go to polls on December 22, while the second phase took place on December 27 across 39,378 seats. While the first phase had seen a voter turnout of about 82%, it was around 80% in the second phase.

The Karnataka gram panchayat polls were fought without any party symbols, but all the political parties went all out to ensure that the candidate they back wins. This was a bid to ensure a hold on grassroot-level politics, which could prove advantageous for them in taluk or zilla panchayat and even assembly polls whenever it happens.

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday claimed the ruling BJP supported candidates are likely to win majority of the seats.

“According to my information, it is certain that 85-90 per cent BJP supported candidates will get elected in Gram Panchayat polls,” he had said.