Sriramulu sworn in as Independent MLA

The Reddy brothers of Bellary, and their friends, are not known for playing things down. So when B Sriramulu was being sworn in as an MLA once again - this time as an independent - it was done in grand style. Sriramulu, a former minister in Yeddyurappa's cabinet, won his seat of the Bellary Rural (ST) Assembly Constituency very convincingly with a huge victory margin of 46,790 votes, despite active campaigning from senior BJP leaders in the state against the man who had quit the BJP when the party sidelined the Reddys following charges of illegal mining. His win has left the BJP embarrassed with their candidate even losing his deposit.