The BJP high command has summoned Karnataka state president BY Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, and national general secretary Radhamohan Das Agarwal to Delhi on June 23 to provide an explanation regarding cross-voting by NDA legislators in the recently held legislative council elections.
Congress wins five of seven seats
In the elections held on Thursday, the Congress party secured five out of seven seats, despite the NDA having 82 MLAs in the assembly. The BJP's two candidates managed to poll only 56 votes against the party's strength of 64 MLAs. Meanwhile, ally JD(S), which has 18 MLAs, received 14 votes for its candidate, despite being allocated three BJP votes under the NDA arrangement. Together, the two parties estimate that 11 legislators voted against the alliance's strategy.
Party brass unhappy with state unit
Party insiders revealed that the BJP leadership was upset over the state unit's failure to maintain unity within its ranks and ensure effective coordination with the JD(S). State functionaries are expected to explain the setback and seek action against the so-called "black sheep" responsible for the cross-voting.
Vijayendra defends alliance strategy
Defending the alliance's electoral plan, Vijayendra stated that the BJP and JD(S) had jointly decided to contest aggressively for a third seat. "HD Kumaraswamy suggested we should not give up the contest. Based on discussions with our leadership, we backed the JD(S) candidate and fought together. During voting, six to seven cross-votes happened from the JD(S) side and four to five from the BJP side. We have some information on who played this game," he said.
Vijayendra added that he had sought an appointment with BJP president Nitin Nabin to brief him on the matter. "The party brass will take this seriously and whatever action is required will be taken," he asserted.
Committee formed to probe cross-voting
The state unit has constituted a committee to investigate the cross-voting and submit a report by June 25.
