MLC Poll Results 2026: MLC elections in four states provoked shock and cheer for Congress and BJP Both Congress and BJP felt the shock and cheer from these elections. Although the NDA led by the BJP won the majority of MLC seats in four states, the Congress’s success in Nagpur and the Samajwadi Party’s (SP) progress in Uttar Pradesh has provided the Opposition with additional talking points.
Despite winning the majority of seats in the Legislative Council (MLC) elections held in 2026, the results have provided some mixed messages for the BJP, Congress and SP. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP have seen overall success in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. However, they have suffered a setback in Nagpur and Varanasi.
The NDA won 16 of the 28 Legislative Council seats across the four states. However, the results have shown how the Congress was able to hold onto their stronghold in Nagpur and the SP have made progress in some constituencies in Uttar Pradesh.
MLC Election Results 2026
The BJP and its allies have had the most success in the latest MLC elections. In particular, the results in Karnataka were promising with the BJP gaining three seats. The Janata Dal (Secular) also gained a seat.
The party gained six seats in Uttar Pradesh. However, the SP made gains with several wins.
Nagpur MLC Result
The results from the Nagpur Division Graduates’ constituency in Maharashtra were some of the most watched. Abhijeet Wanjari from the Congress won by a margin of 3,271 votes over Sudhakar Kohale from the BJP.
Wanjari received 67,231 votes while Kohale received 63,960.
The result was symbolic for the BJP as Nagpur is the hometown of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari who both campaigned hard for the BJP candidate. The city is also the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Varanasi MLC Election
The results from Varanasi are also notable as this is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency.
The SP managed to hold onto the Teachers’ constituency while also gaining ground in the Graduates’ constituency. This will give them momentum going into the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
The results in Uttar Pradesh overall were mixed. The BJP won six out of eleven seats. However, the SP had multiple wins with those in Varanasi being notable.
MLC Election Results 2026 Updates: Winners, Party-Wise Results and Key Trends
Karnataka MLC Results
The results were a major disappointment for the Congress. They did not gain any of the four Legislative Council seats despite being in government.
The BJP won three seats while the JD(S) won in the Bengaluru Teachers’ constituency.
This means the BJP and JD(S) can boast about their coordination. However, the Congress’s lack of success will raise questions about their ability to get voters to turn out for specific constituencies.
What Do The Results Mean For The 2027 Elections?
Firstly, the BJP-led NDA have been the standout performers. They have reason to boast that they still have a strong network.
Secondly, the Opposition have had some key wins. Both the Congress and SP can use their wins in Nagpur and Varanasi to challenge the BJP’s narrative.
Finally, the results from Uttar Pradesh will be the biggest test. Both the BJP and SP are likely to use any results to back up their support.
