Karnataka MLC Polls: Congress Wins Big as NDA Lawmakers Cross-Vote, Exposing Alliance Cracks

The Congress party delivered a significant blow to the NDA in Karnataka, clinching five of the seven seats in the state Legislative Council elections held on Thursday. This decisive victory for Congress was largely fueled by cross-voting from within the opposition ranks, with at least six BJP lawmakers and an estimated four to eight JD(S) legislators reportedly voting against their party lines.

The outcome has visibly angered the BJP's national leadership. Party president Nitin Nabin has summoned Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra to understand the circumstances that led to the widespread cross-voting. Vijayendra acknowledged the defections, stating, "There is no question of forgiving the MLAs in our party who have cross-voted. They will not be forgiven." He indicated that the party has information regarding those involved in orchestrating this move.

This incident has starkly illuminated the internal divisions within the NDA coalition in Karnataka. Reports suggest that a total of 11 alliance legislators engaged in cross-voting, which ultimately enabled the ruling Congress to secure a majority in the 75-member Upper House. The JD(S) candidate, Govindraju, who relied on BJP support for the final seat, was defeated after polling only 14 votes, falling short of the expected 18 first-preference votes, indicating significant internal dissent.

With the election results, the Congress party's strength in the Legislative Council has increased from 34 to 39 members. The BJP's tally now stands at 29, the JD(S) has six, and there is one independent member. This shift in numbers strengthens the Congress's position in the state's legislative landscape.

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There is no question of forgiving the MLAs in our party who have cross-voted. They will not be forgiven. We also have some information on who might have played this game.