Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday described the cross-voting in the recently concluded Legislative Council polls as 'unfortunate' and asserted that those responsible for it would be punished. He also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, accusing him of running the administration on money power.
Cross-voting condemned
Speaking to reporters in Haveri, Bommai said, 'The cross-voting that took place in the Legislative Council elections is very unfortunate. Our party will take strict action against those who violated the party whip. No one will be spared.' He added that the party high command would decide on the quantum of punishment after reviewing reports from the district-level observers.
Allegations of money power
Bommai alleged that the ruling Congress party, under the leadership of Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, used money power to influence voters. 'Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is running the administration on money power. This is evident from the way the elections were conducted. The Congress party has no moral right to talk about ethics,' he said.
The former CM also claimed that several MLAs from the BJP and its allies were approached with offers of money and positions to cross-vote. 'We have evidence of such attempts. The Election Commission should take note of this and act accordingly,' he added.
Political implications
The Legislative Council polls for 11 seats saw unexpected results, with the Congress winning seven seats and the BJP securing four. The BJP had hoped to win more seats but lost due to cross-voting by some of its own MLAs and those from allied parties. The results have sparked a political debate in the state, with both parties accusing each other of unethical practices.
Bommai expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger after taking corrective measures. 'We will identify the weak links and strengthen our organization. Those who have betrayed the party will not be allowed to continue,' he said.
The Election Commission has not yet commented on the allegations. Meanwhile, the Congress party has dismissed Bommai's claims as baseless and an attempt to divert attention from internal dissent within the BJP.
