Bengaluru: In a major setback to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, BJP has defeated Hangal Assembly Constituency in the bye polls. 

 After he became the Chief Minister by replacing BJP mascot B.S.Yediyurappa, it was the first electoral test of Bommai. He has taken Hangal bye-elections as a prestigious battle, as it fall under his home district and very close to his Shiggaon constituency. Moreover, he has challenged to retain the Hangal seat which was represented by his political mentor C.M. Udasi. It was Mr. Udasi bring Bommai to the BJP before the 2008 Assembly elections. '

Congress candidate Srinivas Mane has won the Hangal Assembly seat over 6000 votes against his nearest rival BJP candidate Shivaraj Sajjanvar. Mr. Mane secured 68543 votes and Sajjanvar secured 62228 during 20th round of counting. 

The defeat of the Hangal seat has been considered a huge setback to BJP and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. Internal bickering in the ruling BJP has been reflected in the results. Former Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa was not actively involved in the campaign. While releasing the elections in charge list BSY son B.Y. Vijayendra was not included in the list, after the protest of his supporters, BJP state unit has included his name, it was not going well with BSY and his supporters. 

During campaigning, BJP leaders have used unparliamentary words against Opposition leader Siddaramaiah. Leaders had exchanged war of words, leaders have made personal attacks. CM remarks on 'Kambali' has irked Siddaramaiah's supporters. Later BJP National general secretary C.T. Ravi's objectionable remarks against Siddaramaiah has damaged the saffron party much. Meanwhile, BJP State President Nalin Kumar Kateel used objectionable remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.