Chikkamagaluru: BJP leader DN Jeevaraj stated that the Congress party's oath before God regarding alleged vote tampering was intended to mislead the public. He expressed confidence in receiving justice from the Supreme Court on July 23. "The apex court hearing is on July 23. I have full faith that the verdict will be in my favour," Jeevaraj said.
Speaking during a Sringeri assembly segment BJP workers' meet in Koppa on Monday, Jeevaraj emphasized that he contested the assembly election from Sringeri to serve the people, not to enjoy power. He was initially declared defeated by 201 votes against Congress' TD Rajegowda in 2023, but after a recount on May 2, Jeevaraj was declared the winner. Rajegowda alleged vote tampering and moved the Supreme Court, which directed that Rajegowda continue as MLA pending the case.
Jeevaraj's Allegations Against Congress
Jeevaraj suspected foul play when Congress approached the court to stay the recounting of votes. He noted that the BJP counting agent had submitted a written request to the returning officer for a recount. Accusing Rajegowda of targeting him, Jeevaraj said Rajegowda had filed several complaints. "Congress claimed vote tampering, but the strong room was under CCTV surveillance. If there was any tampering, you should tell the court where it happened," he challenged.
Jeevaraj further alleged that Congress managed to convert invalid votes into valid ones for Rajegowda during the 2023 counting. "The invalid votes stored in a box were shifted to Rajegowda's box and counted," he claimed.
BJP Leaders Express Support
BJP district general secretary J Punyapal stated that if a defeated candidate requests a recount with a narrow margin, it is their constitutional right, but officials denied it. He said Congress accused Jeevaraj of influencing officials, but once results are announced, it is impossible to influence the Election Commission.
BJP district vice-president JS Mahabala Rao remarked, "In 2023, the result caused a lot of disturbance. After a three-year legal battle, Jeevaraj took oath as MLA on May 6 but had to step down due to the court's order. I am confident Jeevaraj will become MLA again."
NR Pura Mandal president Neelesh called on supporters to prepare for the upcoming election. "We must defeat Congress in the constituency and make Jeevaraj MLA again," he said.
Sringeri town panchayat president Harish Shetty, Koppa Mandal BJP president HK Dinesh Hosur, Sringeri Mandal president Umesh, and others were present at the meeting.
