Bengaluru, June 19: Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra stated on Friday that the party is taking the alleged cross voting by BJP legislators in the Legislative Council elections very seriously. He emphasized that strict disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty. Vijayendra has also requested a meeting with the party’s national president, Nitin Naveen, to discuss this issue.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Vijayendra mentioned that he has sought a meeting with the national president to discuss the Legislative Council elections held on June 18 and the current political situation in Karnataka.
He claimed that cross voting occurred among both parties in the BJP-JD(S) alliance. According to him, six to seven JD(S) legislators and four to five BJP legislators did not vote for the alliance candidate.
Vijayendra stated, “We have information on who played games during the elections. I will provide the national president with complete details. Serious action will be taken against those who have betrayed the party.”
He warned that any legislator who wins on the BJP’s symbol and is found involved in cross voting will not be spared. While he refrained from naming the implicated legislators, he assured that the party possesses sufficient information and will reach a logical conclusion regarding the matter.
He added, “BJP is a national party, and there are limits to everything. Party workers are hurt by these incidents. If BJP legislators are found involved in such acts, the party will certainly take action.”
Referring to the BJP-JD(S) alliance, Vijayendra explained that the decision to field a third candidate was made after discussions with central minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. He noted that Kumaraswamy contacted him about ten days before the elections, urging not to give Congress an easy win and to compete strongly.
After discussions with the national leadership, the BJP decided to support the alliance candidate, with both parties aiming to secure the victory of the third candidate.
Vijayendra remarked that Kumaraswamy is deeply hurt by the election results, and cross voting is an insult not only to JD(S) but also to BJP. He stated, “If BJP legislators have betrayed the JD(S) candidate, it is also a betrayal of BJP.”
He acknowledged that there have been internal differences within the party for some time but expressed confidence that BJP leadership will address the issue seriously and take appropriate action.
When questioned about the BJP’s fear of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s political strategies, Vijayendra asserted that the BJP is not afraid of anyone. He emphasized that the party’s organization is strong and ready to face every political challenge.
In response to attempts by some within the party to undermine his position, Vijayendra stated that no one can change anyone’s destiny. He affirmed, “I am a BJP worker, the state president, and the son of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. The appropriate message will be conveyed through the party’s process.”
It is noteworthy that in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections, all five Congress candidates emerged victorious, while the BJP secured two seats. Meanwhile, the NDA ally JD(S) failed to win a seat for its candidate.
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