In the first major electoral test for the Congress government under Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, the ruling party on Thursday won five of the seven MLC seats, while the BJP secured two. The JD(S) drew a blank.
The BJP high command has summoned Karnataka party leaders to New Delhi following allegations of cross-voting by party members in the recent MLC elections. The move comes after the Congress swept five of the seven seats, dealing a blow to the BJP's electoral prospects in the state.
Cross-Voting Allegations
Sources within the BJP indicated that several party legislators are suspected of voting in favor of Congress candidates, leading to the unexpected defeat of BJP nominees in at least two constituencies. The high command is expected to question state party president B Y Vijayendra, former chief minister and leader of opposition R Ashoka, and other senior leaders about the internal dissent.
Electoral Verdict
The MLC polls were seen as a crucial test for the Congress government's popularity. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar expressed satisfaction with the results, stating that the people have reposed faith in the Congress party's governance. The BJP, however, termed the outcome as a result of betrayal by its own members rather than the Congress's strength.
The JD(S), which had hoped to win at least one seat, ended up empty-handed, raising questions about the party's declining influence in Karnataka politics.
Internal Wrangling
The cross-voting issue has exposed deep divisions within the Karnataka BJP unit. Factions loyal to different leaders have been at loggerheads for months, and the MLC poll results have intensified the infighting. The high command's intervention is seen as an attempt to restore discipline and unity ahead of the next assembly elections.
BJP leaders summoned to Delhi are expected to submit detailed reports on the voting patterns and the steps being taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Party insiders believe that strict action may be taken against those found guilty of cross-voting.
