Chikkamagaluru: Congress leader AV Gayathri Shantegowda on Thursday welcomed the apex court’s verdict on the MLC polls and said she would give justice by delivering good work. Although it is late, I will definitely work for the people. According to her, she would not have approached the courts if she were to be defeated with a margin of 50 or more votes. “I moved court as per my party leaders’ suggestion as it was only a 6-vote difference. Today, I got justice and the court declared me winner,” she said.However, BJP leader MK Pranesh was not available for comment. The election to Chikkamagaluru local authorities constituency was held in Dec 2021. Out of 2,410 votes polled, 39 votes were declared invalid. Pranesh secured 1,188 votes while Gayatri got 1,182 votes. Pranesh was declared the winner with a margin of 6 votes. Gayatri had contended before the court that 12 nominated members of Sringeri, Koppa, NR Pura and Mudigere town panchayats were allowed to vote, though they were not eligible.As per the Supreme Court order, a recount was conducted on Feb 28, 2025, in Chikkamagaluru. The then DC Meena Nagaraj later submitted a report on the recount to the Supreme Court in a sealed cover.
