BJP Leadership Responds to Cross-Voting in Karnataka Legislative Council Elections
The BJP leadership has taken significant steps in response to cross-voting incidents during the Karnataka Legislative Council elections. Following the ruling Congress party's victory in five out of seven seats, BJP President Nitin Naveen has summoned state leaders to address the issue. Reports indicate that cross-voting by BJP and JD(S) legislators contributed to Congress receiving more votes than expected. Senior party officials have acknowledged the betrayal and are set to take action against those involved. This election marks a crucial moment for the BJP as it navigates internal challenges while facing a newly established Congress government.
Jun 19, 2026, 17:21 IST
BJP's Reaction to Cross-Voting in Karnataka
Following instances of cross-voting in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections, Nitin Naveen, the national president of the BJP, summoned state party chief B.Y. Vijayendra and other party officials on Friday. Sources within the party indicated that Naveen expressed strong disapproval regarding the cross-voting and requested a meeting with Yediyurappa and other leaders on June 23.
In the first electoral contest after the new government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar took office, the ruling Congress party secured five out of seven seats in the Legislative Council elections held on Thursday, while the opposition BJP managed to win two seats.
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According to sources, cross-voting by BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) legislators was evident, resulting in Congress receiving 151 votes, exceeding their expected total of 140 by 11 votes. Initial reports suggest that three BJP and eight JD(S) legislators allegedly participated in cross-voting, with one BJP legislator's vote being declared invalid.
Senior BJP leader R. Ashok acknowledged the occurrence of cross-voting by party legislators on Thursday, stating that those who betrayed the party would be identified, and actions would be taken against them. The state unit president, Vijayendra, remarked, 'We will determine who engaged in cross-voting and why. After gathering information, the party will make a decision.' In this electoral battle, the ruling Congress won five out of seven seats, while the BJP secured two.
Read More: Cross-Voting by BJP Members Causes Turmoil in Karnataka
Sources indicated that both BJP and JD(S) legislators participated in cross-voting, as Congress candidates received more votes than anticipated. Members of the Karnataka Assembly cast their votes in the elections held in the Vidhana Soudha. Eight candidates contested for the seven available seats, including Congress's Thippannappa Kamakanur, P.V. Mohan, B.K. Hariprasad (state Congress president), Shivanna B.S., and Vinay Karthik Prakash, along with BJP's Lingraj Patil and Raghu R., and JD(S)'s Govindaraju. All five Congress candidates and both BJP candidates emerged victorious, while JD(S)'s Govindaraju faced defeat.
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