Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Central Parliamentary Committee member B.S. Yediyurappa on Monday declared that the Congress has "no future", drawing a parallel between the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) defeat in West Bengal and what he predicted would be a similar fate for the Congress in Karnataka at the next Assembly elections. His remarks came as BJP leaders across the state responded to the results of five-state Assembly elections.

Yediyurappa's Remarks on Congress and BJP's Victory

Yediyurappa, speaking to the media in Bengaluru, said the Congress, which "could not win even a few seats", has "no moral right" to comment on the BJP. He described the BJP's performance in the bye-elections as "unprecedented", arguing it reaffirmed public confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"This is a historic result. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President Nitin Nabin have continuously guided and led the party effectively. I congratulate them," Yediyurappa said. He added that voters had "blessed the NDA's commitment to development" and the vision of building a "Viksit Bharat".

The former Chief Minister also argued that the results prove "people cannot be misled for long with mere promises of freebies", asserting that citizens had chosen "a government based on values, development, stability, and transparency."

State BJP President Vijayendra Credits Modi's Leadership

State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, speaking at the party's state headquarters Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, said victories in West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry had further strengthened the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He noted that this was the first election contested under party President Nitin Nabin and that it had "delivered a strong message".

Vijayendra credited Home Minister Amit Shah as the party's "key strategist across the country", saying his electoral approach played a major role in the outcome. He extended special appreciation to BJP workers in West Bengal, saying: "For decades, our workers there faced continuous oppression. They have now put an end to it."

Former Deputy CM Ashwath Narayan on West Bengal Result

Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan called the BJP's West Bengal result "a major achievement" among the five states, adding that the party is "set to form the government" there. He noted the symbolic significance of the BJP — rooted in the Jana Sangh founded by Syama Prasad Mookerjee — coming to power in West Bengal. He also alleged that the Trinamool Congress had "undermined democracy" in the state.

Sringeri Bypoll: BJP Claims Victory After Recount

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka congratulated BJP candidate D.N. Jeevaraj on winning the Sringeri Assembly constituency following a recount ordered by the High Court. Ashoka alleged that the Congress had "stolen votes" in Sringeri and exerted pressure to secure its candidate's victory, but said the recount had prevented that outcome.

"Although Jeevaraj had officially won earlier, the result had not been declared at the time. Now, the election officer has issued the certificate confirming him as the Member of the Legislative Assembly," Ashoka said. He appealed to the Assembly Speaker to facilitate Jeevaraj's oath-taking at the earliest, noting that Jeevaraj would have the opportunity to serve as an MLA for the remaining two years and strengthen the BJP's position in the Sringeri seat.

With the Sringeri win confirmed, the BJP claims an additional seat in the Karnataka Assembly, a development BJP leaders say will bolster the party's ability to take on the Congress in the state legislature ahead of the next elections.