'Truth must come out at temple': Karnataka BJP plans meeting over MLC election cross-voting

The Karnataka BJP unit plans to convene its legislature party meeting at the Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple in Dharmasthala to address allegations of cross-voting by its MLAs in the recent legislative council elections. State chief BY Vijayendra announced on Sunday that legislators might be asked to take an oath before Lord Manjunatha to declare whether they voted against the party's official candidates in the secret ballot election.

"Irrespective of who they are, the MLAs have betrayed their mother. We are believers in God. Everyone should come to Dharmasthala. A legislature party meeting will be held there. The truth should come out at the temple, and a decision will be taken," Vijayendra stated. He added that media reports and social media discussions suggesting at least four BJP MLAs cross-voted had cast suspicion over the entire legislature wing, affecting the party workers' morale.

Vijayendra emphasized that action would be taken against anyone found guilty of cross-voting, irrespective of their seniority. He mentioned speaking with BJP president Nitin Nabin and planning to travel to New Delhi with leader of the Opposition R Ashoka to brief the party leadership. A fact-finding panel has been formed to examine the charges.

The dispute arose after elections for seven Legislative Council seats, where Congress secured five seats, the BJP won two, and the JD(S) failed to win its contested seat. Congress candidates received 151 votes, exceeding their expected strength. The BJP, with 64 MLAs, saw its two candidates receive a combined 56 votes, while the JD(S) secured only 14 votes for its candidate, falling short of the expected numbers for both parties.

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Irrespective of who they are, the MLAs have betrayed their mother. We are believers in God. Everyone should come to Dharmasthala. A legislature party meeting will be held there. The truth should come out at the temple, and a decision will be taken.