Returning Officer K Nagaraj announced his election after counting votes polled by postal ballot which was completed on Tuesday.

The Returning Officer said that the total voters’ turnout across the state was 59.8 per cent. Of the 61,958 voters, 36,300 have exercised their franchise.

Dr Nallur Prasad is the 23rd president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat. His supporters celebrated his victory by bursting crackers in the Sahitya Parishat premises. He will commence his three-year term by taking charge on Wednesday.

Sixty one-year old Nallur Prasad retired as Professor and Head of Kannada Department at VV Puram First Grade College in Bangalore, three years ago.

Speaking to press persons he said he will work to fulfill aspirations of Kannadigas who had voted him in the elections.

“There are many threats to Kannada. The Sahitya parishat will play the lead role in combating onslaughts on Kannada language and its people. If necessary the Parishat will go to streets”, he said.

The new president said he will soon meet Chief Minister and other people’s representatives regarding issues concerned to Kannada.

FINAL TALLY

*Dr R K Nallur Prasad: 17,563
*Dr C Veeranna: 11,851
*Dr S Vidyashankar: 5,073
*Lakshmanarao Gogi: 1,035
*G V Prabhakar Rao: 794
*Sosale Javaraiah: 236
*Ma Chi Krishna: 88