Karnataka BJP MLAs Who Cross-Voted Face Action: High Command

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) high command has initiated a disciplinary probe into the cross-voting that occurred during the recent Legislative Council elections in Karnataka. Party national president Nitin Nabin convened a high-level meeting with state leaders to address the breach of party discipline.

During the meeting, Nabin expressed strong displeasure over the cross-voting, which allowed the Congress party's fifth candidate to win despite the BJP and its ally, the Janata Dal (Secular), fielding candidates for all seven seats. The NDA had fielded two candidates, while the Congress put up five and the JD(S) one. The Congress victory was attributed to cross-voting by some BJP and JD(S) MLAs.

Party sources said that while state leaders explained that they had cautioned JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy against fielding a seventh candidate, Nabin questioned why that justified cross-voting within BJP ranks. The high command views Kumaraswamy's move as a loyalty test that exposed internal divisions in the Karnataka BJP.

A three-member committee headed by MLC C.T. Ravi, along with state vice-president N. Mahesh and MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi, will investigate and identify those who cross-voted. The committee must submit its report by June 25. Disciplinary action, including possible expulsion, will follow based on the findings.

BJP Karnataka president B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok, and party general secretary Radha Mohan Das Agarwal attended the meeting. Afterward, Ashok stated that Nabin had taken charge of the matter and that action had already been initiated against those who betrayed the party. The party also discussed organisational strengthening ahead of future elections.