Disqualified: BJP Leader G Janardhana Reddy Loses Karnataka Assembly Seat

BJP leader G Janardhana Reddy has been disqualified from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly after a special CBI court in Hyderabad found him guilty in an illegal iron ore mining case. The ruling resulted in one less seat in the state Assembly, specifically vacating Reddy's representation of the Gangavati Constituency.

The Principal Special Judge for CBI cases convicted Reddy and three other individuals, sentencing them to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a monetary fine. The Karnataka Assembly noted that Reddy is disqualified from his position following the conviction effective from May 6, 2025, in accordance with India's Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a significant fine on Reddy and a Rs 1 lakh fine on the Obulapuram Mining Company involved. Following the decision, Reddy was taken into custody. Having contested under his own party, Kalyana Rajya Pragati Paksha, Reddy eventually rejoined the BJP, merging his outfit with the party ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)