Chitradurga, May 6: The Karnataka BJP president and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra, has called for Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to apologize to the nation following allegations of electoral fraud related to the vote count in Shringeri.
Last week, the Karnataka High Court ordered a re-verification and recount of postal ballots in the Shringeri assembly constituency for the 2023 elections. Subsequently, the Election Commission declared BJP candidate D.N. Jeevaraj as the winner, defeating the incumbent Congress MLA, T.D. Rajegowda.
The controversy intensified on Tuesday when a BJP delegation met with Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, complaining about delays in administering the oath to Jeevaraj by Speaker U.T. Khader. BJP leaders urged the Governor to personally administer the oath to Jeevaraj.
Addressing the media in Chitradurga, Vijayendra stated that the recount in Shringeri was conducted as per the High Court’s order, resulting in Jeevaraj’s victory. He insisted that Rahul Gandhi should apologize to the nation, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar should apologize to the people of Karnataka.
Vijayendra accused Congress of undermining democracy and demanded the immediate swearing-in of Jeevaraj. He also alleged that the defeated candidate, Rajegowda, was making fabricated claims to buy time for filing a petition in the High Court.
Criticizing Congress, he labeled the party as hypocritical, stating that while it praises Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution, its actions reflect a disregard for constitutional values.
He questioned Siddaramaiah, suggesting that if the government had confidence in its guarantee schemes, there would be no need for the Chief Minister to camp in Bagalkot for 15 days during the by-elections.
Regarding the recent by-election defeat, Vijayendra asserted that the BJP would not be discouraged. He expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating that the party would remain strong with leaders like Home Minister Amit Shah and National President Nitin Naveen.
He acknowledged the need for welfare schemes for the poor, noting that such initiatives are not new and referenced programs implemented during former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa’s tenure, including Bhagyalakshmi and Sandhya Suraksha.
Vijayendra accused the government of misusing welfare schemes for electoral gain, claiming that funds were released just before the by-elections, with future installments likely coinciding with upcoming local body elections.
He emphasized that the BJP would recover from its by-election defeat, strengthen its organization, and return to power in the state with the support of its leaders and workers.
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