Cross-voting in Karnataka MLC polls: BJP summons Vijayendra, Ashoka

The BJP central leadership has summoned Karnataka state president BY Vijayendra and other leaders to Delhi over cross-voting in the MLC elections. A committee has been formed to investigate the matter and will submit a report.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central leadership has expressed strong displeasure over cross-voting by its MLAs in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections, with Karnataka State President BY Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, and State In-charge Radhamohan Das Agarwal summoned to Delhi on June 23, sources said on Friday.

According to sources, at least 11 NDA MLAs in Karnataka indulged in cross-voting during the MLC polls, a development that has left the party's top leadership upset. Meanwhile, the BJP Karnataka unit has constituted a three-member committee to investigate cross-voting by its MLAs in the Legislative Council elections held on June 18.

Committee Formed to Probe Setback

According to a press release issued from the BJP state headquarters, Bengaluru, BJP state president BY Vijayendra said it had come to light that some MLAs had cross-voted, defeating the party's official candidates. "To ascertain the truth and reality behind this setback, a committee comprising the following key leaders has been formed," the release stated.

The committee has been asked to submit a comprehensive report on the matter by June 25, 2026. Committee members include CT Ravi - Member, Legislative Council; N Mahesh - State Vice President; Mahesh Tenginakayi - MLA. The move comes after at least four to five BJP MLAs allegedly cross-voted in the June 18 MLC polls. The Congress won five of the seven seats, while the BJP secured only two despite having 64 MLAs in the Assembly.

Vijayendra Confirms Cross-Voting from Both Sides

Responding to a query on whether the BJP has gained clarity over the cross-voting issue in the Karnataka MLC elections, Vijayendra said there were prior discussions between the BJP and JD(S) regarding the electoral strategy. "Eight to ten days ago, former Chief Minister and our current Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy called me on the phone. He said, 'Vijayendra, talk to your high command political leaders. You field a third candidate, or we will field one in the MLC election. Let's put up a fight. Seriously, we shouldn't give it up so easily.' With that good intention, he spoke to me," Vijayendra told the media.

He added that he conveyed the matter to the leadership and maintained coordination between both parties. "I, too, said, 'No, you field the candidate. Let's contest together.' I conveyed this to him based on our national leadership's opinion. I had informed him accordingly. Both the BJP and the JD(S) had the right intention that we must fight it out, not give up easily, and try our best to make the third candidate win. Both parties indeed made efforts together," he said.

However, he confirmed that cross-voting took place from both sides during the election. "But yesterday, during the voting, there were six to seven cross-votes from the JD(S) side as well. From the BJP, too, at least four to five cross-votes have happened. We have also received that information," Vijayendra said.

Disciplinary Action Inevitable

Taking a strong stand on internal indiscipline, he said the party would act against those responsible. "There is no question of forgiving the MLAs in our party who have cross-voted. They will not be forgiven. We also have some information on who might have played this game," he said.

Vijayendra further stated that he has sought a meeting with the BJP national president Nitin Nabin to brief them on the situation. "I have sought an appointment with the National President this morning. I have requested to explain the current political developments in the state, about the cross-voting that happened in the Legislative Council. Most likely today or on Monday, they will give time. I will meet them, meet the National President, and give a complete explanation," he said.

He added that disciplinary action is inevitable. "But one thing is certain: the party will definitely take seriously whichever MLAs have crossed the line. We will take whatever action needs to be taken against them," Vijayendra said.

JD(S) 'Naturally Hurt' by Outcome

On JD(S) concerns, he said both parties were equally affected by the outcome. "Naturally, he (HD Kumaraswamy) is hurt. Whether it is Kumaraswamy or us, when we discussed, both of us had the good intention to field a candidate. He did not decide unilaterally. So, if today six to seven cross-votes happen in his party too, he is naturally hurt. JD(S) is as upset as we are," he said.

"We may have won two seats, but it is an insult for us too. Our MLAs have also cross-voted. So we are taking this very seriously. I will also meet our high command. I will take this to its logical end, that's my opinion. They say four to five people from JD(S) did it," he added.

Earlier in the day, Kumaraswamy said he had "complete information" on cross-voting in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections and added that the outcome was "not unexpected". Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, the Janata Dal (Secular) leader said the party, which has 18 MLAs, secured only 14 votes for its candidate. "Four people have cross-voted. I know who they are. I also know they have discussed quitting the party. Let those who want to go, go. New youngsters, as they say, 'Gen Z', will join the party," he said.

Kumaraswamy said the candidate was fielded to "test" party MLAs and assess loyalty, adding, "The candidate was not fielded to win. I had held a meeting with all MLAs at home." He further said, "I had said earlier about money, power, and muscle power... I fielded the candidate with the intention of retaining 17 votes."

Calling the result a lesson for the party, he said, "This election has given another experience. I will not blame anyone," while adding that "excessive trust is not good." He also said he was not disturbed by the outcome and called the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections the "real battle" ahead.

Election Results at a Glance

Congress, which has 135 MLAs, polled 151 votes in the election, with all five of its candidates declared elected in the first round. The BJP won two seats, while the JD(S) candidate lost. The BJP has 64 MLAs, but its two candidates together secured only 56 votes, a shortfall of eight. JD(S) has 18 MLAs, but its candidate got only 14 votes. As part of the NDA arrangement, the BJP had assigned three of its MLAs to vote for the JD(S) candidate, taking the JD(S) tally to 21. Yet the JD(S) ended up with just 14, seven votes short. The results indicated cross-voting from both the BJP and JD(S) ranks. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)