New Delhi, June 23: Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, including Opposition Leader R. Ashok, met with party president Nitin Naveen in New Delhi on Tuesday. They discussed the alleged cross-voting by BJP legislators during the recent Karnataka Assembly elections.
After the meeting, both leaders addressed the media, stating that the national leadership of the party has taken this matter seriously. They assured that appropriate action would be taken after gathering all relevant information.
Speaking to reporters, B.Y. Vijayendra emphasized that they presented all facts related to the cross-voting to Nitin Naveen. He noted that the party president has already started collecting preliminary information on the issue and indicated that strict action is necessary. He also mentioned that the party would independently gather additional information and encouraged them to provide any further details they might have.
Vijayendra added that the national leadership has reviewed organizational matters and stressed the need to strengthen the party in Karnataka. He stated that the party president (Nitin Naveen) has directed them to focus on reinforcing the party organization and working towards regaining power in the state. They have been urged to accelerate their efforts in this direction.
When asked how the BJP would identify those responsible for the alleged cross-voting, Vijayendra expressed confidence that the truth would emerge. He stated, “We (BJP) are the ruling party at the center. The central leadership has mechanisms in place for information gathering. The process to identify those involved will commence, and we are confident that the truth will come to light.”
Opposition Leader R. Ashok mentioned that the national leadership has asked the state unit to take charge of the matter. He further noted that national leaders instructed them to leave this issue to them. They had already gathered some information but did not share any details with him. He was told to present any information they have and was assured that the leadership would conduct their assessment.
He reported that the central leadership has requested additional information from the state unit regarding the events related to the Karnataka Assembly elections.
When asked if the election results were a setback for the BJP, Ashok dismissed the suggestion. He stated, “The BJP has not faced any setback. We won both seats contested by the party. However, since cross-voting occurred and NDA-supported candidates lost, we have requested time to gather more information about the reasons.”
When questioned whether state leaders were instructed to return to Delhi for further discussions, Ashok replied that no such directives had been issued.
The BJP leadership has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged cross-voting, which has sparked political debate within the party following the council elections.
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