Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra has stirred controversy by proposing a 'truth test' at the Dharmasthala temple to identify those responsible for cross-voting in the recent MLC elections. The suggestion has drawn sharp criticism from within the party, with senior leader and former minister R Ashoka dismissing it as 'unnecessary and impractical'.
Vijayendra's proposal and backlash
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Monday, Vijayendra said, 'If anyone wants to prove their loyalty, they can take a truth test at Dharmasthala. This will help clear the air about who voted against the party.' The idea, however, was immediately rejected by Ashoka, who stated, 'Such tests are not part of our party culture. We need to address issues through dialogue and organizational discipline, not through gimmicks.'
The cross-voting row erupted after the BJP failed to secure a victory in the MLC polls from the Karnataka Graduates' constituency, despite having a majority in the electoral college. Sources indicate that at least 10 to 15 BJP MLCs cross-voted in favor of the Congress-JDS candidate, leading to a humiliating defeat for the party.
Internal pressure mounts on Vijayendra
The bypoll debacle is said to have increased pressure on Vijayendra, who is already under the scanner for being unable to unite different factions within the saffron party. Several party insiders have expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership, accusing him of favoring a particular group over others.
'The defeat has exposed the deep divisions within the party. Vijayendra's proposal is a desperate attempt to divert attention from his own failures,' said a senior BJP leader on condition of anonymity. The leader added that the party's central leadership is closely monitoring the situation and may consider a change in the state leadership if the infighting continues.
Nitin Nabin to meet state BJP leaders
Amid the growing turmoil, Union Minister and BJP's Karnataka in-charge Nitin Nabin is scheduled to meet state party leaders on Wednesday to review the situation. The meeting is expected to focus on strategies to contain the damage and restore discipline within the party ranks.
Sources say Nabin is likely to hold one-on-one discussions with Vijayendra, Ashoka, and other key leaders to understand the ground reality. The central leadership is keen on resolving the crisis before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, where Karnataka is a crucial battleground.
Meanwhile, the Congress has seized upon the controversy, with party spokesperson Ramesh Babu saying, 'The BJP is in complete disarray. Their leaders are busy blaming each other instead of addressing the real issues facing the people of Karnataka.'
