BJP Faces Internal Turmoil Over Cross-Voting in Karnataka Legislative Council Elections
BJP Leadership Expresses Discontent Over Cross-Voting
The central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed strong dissatisfaction regarding cross-voting by its legislators during the Karnataka Legislative Council elections. As a result, Karnataka's state president B.Y. Vijayendra, opposition leader R. Ashok, and state in-charge Radhamohan Das Agrawal have been summoned to Delhi on June 23. Sources indicate that at least 11 NDA legislators participated in cross-voting during the MLC elections, leading to the party's top brass being upset. In response, the BJP's Karnataka unit has established a three-member committee to investigate the cross-voting that occurred on June 18.
According to a press release from the BJP's state headquarters in Bengaluru, B.Y. Vijayendra stated that it has come to light that some legislators engaged in cross-voting, resulting in the defeat of the party's official candidates.
The release mentioned, "To uncover the truth behind this setback, a committee of prominent leaders has been formed. The committee has been tasked with submitting a detailed report by June 25, 2026. The members of the committee include CT Ravi (MLC), N Mahesh (state vice president), and Mahesh Tenginakai (MLA). This action follows allegations of cross-voting by at least four to five BJP legislators during the MLC elections, where Congress secured five out of seven seats, while the BJP managed only two despite having 64 legislators in the assembly."
Clarification on BJP's Stance Regarding Cross-Voting
When questioned about the BJP's position on the cross-voting issue in the Karnataka MLC elections, Vijayendra mentioned that discussions regarding electoral strategy had already taken place between the BJP and JD(S).
Vijayendra informed the media, "About eight to ten days ago, former Chief Minister and our current Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy called me. He said, 'Vijayendra, speak to your high command leaders. Either you field a third candidate, or we will put forth a candidate in the MLC elections. Let’s compete. Honestly, we should not concede defeat so easily.' He reached out to me with this noble intention."
He added that he conveyed this message to the party leadership and maintained coordination between both parties.
BJP and JD(S) Collaboration Amidst Cross-Voting
Vijayendra further stated, "I also said, 'No, you should field a candidate. Let’s fight the elections together.' I communicated this based on our national leadership's perspective. I informed them accordingly. Both the BJP and JD(S) aimed to compete and not concede defeat easily, striving to ensure the victory of a third candidate. Both parties made collaborative efforts in this regard."
However, he confirmed that cross-voting occurred from both sides during the elections.