New Delhi/Bengaluru, Dec 30 (NationPress) On Tuesday, the Congress party announced its selection of four candidates for the upcoming elections concerning the Graduates’ and Teachers’ Constituencies of the Karnataka Legislative Council.

An official announcement revealed that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has sanctioned the names.

Prominent figures include Mohan Limbikai (West Graduates’), Shashi Hulikuntemutt (South-East Graduates’), Sharanappa Mattur (North-East Teachers’), and Puttanna (Bengaluru Teachers’), as confirmed by the party's National General Secretary and Congress MP K.C. Venugopal.

Scheduled for November 2026, the elections for the Karnataka Legislative Council will fill four seats, of which three are currently occupied by the BJP.

The Karnataka West Graduates’ Constituency encompasses districts such as Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Gadag, and Karwar. This seat is presently held by BJP leader S.V. Sankanura.

The Karnataka South-East Graduates’ Constituency includes Kolar and Bengaluru Rural districts, representing graduates from recognized universities. Currently, this seat is held by BJP leader Chidanand M. Gowda.

In the North-East Teachers’ Constituency, which comprises Ballari, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur, Vijayanagar, and Yadgir districts, the seat is occupied by senior BJP leader Shashil G. Namoshi.

The Bengaluru Teachers’ Constituency spans Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts, BBMP North, South, and Central zones, as well as the Ramanagara region, and is currently represented by senior Congress leader Puttanna.

The Karnataka Legislative Council consists of a total of 75 members; 64 are elected while 11 are nominated. The Congress holds 37 seats and has the backing of one Independent member, while the opposition NDA also holds 37 seats, with the BJP occupying 30 and the JD(S) seven.

The BJP has not yet declared its candidates.

The Karnataka Legislative Council serves as the Upper House of the state legislature in Karnataka.

Karnataka is one of six Indian states with a bicameral legislature, with the Legislative Assembly serving as the Lower House. The Karnataka Legislative Council is a permanent body, with one-third of its members retiring every two years. Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) enjoy six-year terms.

Of the 75 Council members, 25 are elected by local authorities such as municipalities and corporations, 25 are appointed by the Legislative Assembly members, while the remaining 25 are elected from graduates' (seven) and teachers' constituencies (seven), alongside 11 nominated members.