A political storm has erupted within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after allegations of cross-voting surfaced during the Karnataka Legislative Council elections, prompting the party’s national leadership to step in and initiate an internal probe.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin has reportedly sought an explanation from Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra and other senior leaders, summoning them for a meeting on June 23. The move comes after the party expressed strong displeasure over reports that its own legislators allegedly supported rival Congress candidates during voting.
BJP win overshadowed by unexpected cross-voting
In a closely watched contest held on Thursday at Vidhana Soudha, the Congress secured a dominant performance by winning five out of seven seats, while the BJP managed to secure the remaining two. The election was the first major political test since the Congress government, led by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, assumed office in the state.
However, the outcome was overshadowed by claims that BJP and JD(S) legislators had secretly voted for Congress nominees, boosting the ruling party’s tally beyond expected numbers. Congress is reported to have received 151 votes, significantly higher than the anticipated support base of 140, raising questions of internal dissent within the opposition ranks.
Vijayendra admits setback, calls situation “unfortunate”
Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra acknowledged the issue and described the development as deeply concerning, confirming that an internal investigation has been launched.
“What happened in the MLC elections is very unfortunate. According to us, there were four cross-votes. We have taken this seriously. We have announced a fact-finding committee headed by CT Ravi, and we expect a report before the 25th. Next week, I will go to Delhi and meet with all senior leaders and brief them on the situation,” he said.
The party has formed a three-member committee headed by CT Ravi to examine the circumstances behind the suspected cross-voting. The panel has been asked to submit its findings by June 25.
NDA legislators under scanner
Party insiders suggest that around 11 NDA legislators may have been involved in cross-voting, including both BJP and JD(S) members. Early reports indicate that three BJP MLAs and eight JD(S) MLAs allegedly deviated from the party line, while one BJP vote was also declared invalid.
The development has triggered concern within the alliance, with leaders now working to identify the individuals responsible for the breach.
Mixed results in Council elections
A total of eight candidates contested for seven seats in the Karnataka Legislative Council election. The Congress fielded five candidates who all secured victory: Thippannappa Kamknoor, P V Mohan, B K Hariprasad (KPCC president), Shivanna B S, and Vinay Karthik Prakash.
The BJP’s two candidates, Lingaraj Patil and Raghu R, also won their respective seats, while the JD(S) candidate Govindaraju failed to secure enough support.
BJP begins internal crackdown
Senior BJP leader R Ashoka confirmed that the party has taken disciplinary concerns seriously and warned that action would follow once the cross-voting details are confirmed.
BY Vijayendra also indicated that speculation over the identities of alleged cross-voters is being viewed cautiously, suggesting that political misinformation may be at play.
“It could be Basavaraj, it could be Chandru Lamani, it could be Krishna Nayak. By floating different names like this, Congress leaders are trying to create mischief and spark infighting within the BJP,” he said.
He added that the party remains focused and will not be distracted by rumours.
Central leadership steps in
The issue has now reached the BJP’s national leadership, which is treating the matter seriously. Sources indicate that senior leaders, including national general secretary Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, will meet Karnataka leaders on June 23 to assess the situation.
