Hat-trick victory for Nalin Kumar Kateel as Congress bites the dust in DK

Mangaluru, May 23: In spite of all controversies and lack of developmental works, hardline BJP leader Nalin Kumar Kateel has achieved hat-trick in Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency by securing a massive victory against Congress candidate Mithun Rai in 2019 general elections.

Mr Kateel, who had defeated Congress veteran B Janardhana Poojary by a margin of 40,420 votes in 2009 and 1,43,709 votes in 2014, has further increased it in 2019. Like 2014, SDPI finished third in 2019 too.

The BJP had brought star campaigners including include Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MP Meenakshi Lekhi to the coastal district to campaign for its candidate, while Congress had failed to fetch its national level leaders.

The Congress had held the constituency till 1991 but in the last seven elections, it is BJP which has held the seat.

In 1991, BJP’s Dhananjay Kumar wrested the seat from the Congress. Later, he won the constituency thrice. In 2004, former chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda became Dakshina Kannada MP.

Brief result: 
Nalin Kumar Kateel (BJP): 772754
Mithun Rai (Congress): 499387
Mohammed Ilyas (SDPI): 46834
 

Also Read: Kateel’s victory margin highest ever; Mithun Rai’s defeat worst ever for Cong in Dakshina Kannada