Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra has announced that a legislature party meeting will be held at the holy town of Dharmasthala, where MLAs will be asked to take an oath before Lord Manjunatha (Shiva) to speak the truth about cross-voting in the recent Legislative Council polls. Calling the cross-voting a "betrayal," Vijayendra said the issue would be pursued to its logical conclusion.
Background of the Cross-Voting Incident
During the MLC elections held on June 13, 2026, the ruling Congress party won five of the seven seats, while the opposition BJP secured only two. The JD(S) failed to win any seat. Sources indicated that cross-voting by BJP and JD(S) legislators in favor of Congress candidates contributed to the outcome, with the total votes received by Congress being 151, 11 more than the expected 140.
Speaking to reporters, Vijayendra expressed his displeasure, stating that the incident had created suspicion about all 63 BJP legislators. He revealed that he had called the party's national president, Nitin Nabin, at 7 am the previous day to seek an explanation. Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka plan to travel to Delhi to provide further information.
The Dharmasthala Oath
Dharmasthala, located on the banks of the Nethravati River in Dakshina Kannada district, has an 800-year-old history. According to legend, anyone who utters a lie in front of Lord Manjunatha will face severe consequences. Vijayendra emphasized that the legislature party meeting would be held at the earliest, likely next week, and that all MLAs must attend. "However big we may be; we all believe in God. Everyone will have to come to the holy town of Dharmasthala, where a legislature party meeting should be held. The truth will come out there, and the matter should be decided there," he said.
A fact-finding committee comprising party leaders C T Ravi, Mahesh Tenginakayi, and N Mahesh has been constituted to investigate the cross-voting incident. Vijayendra stated that whoever is found guilty will face action regardless of seniority.
Reactions and Implications
Vijayendra acknowledged the criticism on social media, some of which he deemed genuine, but also noted that the incident was being used to attack the party leadership as part of a conspiracy. He stressed the need to protect the party's pride and ensure that party workers are at ease. "It is natural that the workers are hurt, and there will be reactions in the media. I'm not saying they are wrong. But somewhere, we must put an end to such an act by legislators who have won on a BJP ticket with the blessing of the people and the hard work of party workers," he added.
When asked about JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's claims that JD(S) legislators were lured with offers of Rs 50-100 crore, Vijayendra said he was not aware of those comments but added that no one would have cross-voted for free. "Whatever the reasons our legislators have cross-voted for... we will have to take this issue to a logical end," he stated.
