In Karnataka, former BJP leader Sriramulu who contested as an Independent in the Bellary rural assembly Constituency by-election has won with a huge margin of over 46000 votes. The by-election was necessitated when Sriramulu, a trusted lieutenant of mining barons G Janardhana Reddy and G Karunakara Reddy, quit BJP and his assembly membership. In the results announced today Sriramulu defeated his nearest rival B Ramprasad of Congress who secured over 27,000 votes.]The BJP candidate Gadilingappa lost his deposit by securing just over 17,000 votes. After his victory, Sriramulu has announced formation of a new regional party but said he will not work towards downfall of BJP government in the state. Chief Minister of Karnataka Sadanand Gowda has said the results of byelection will have no impact on the government. The leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah has said muscle and money power has played its part in the victory of Sriramulu.