No question of forgiveness: BJP vows action after Karnataka cross-voting jolt

The Karnataka Legislative Council election exposed cross-voting in the BJP and JD(S) camps as Congress won five of seven seats. The result has triggered disciplinary warnings in the opposition and highlighted internal strains before future contests.

In Short

• BY Vijayendra said BJP had identified MLAs who allegedly defied party directions
• Congress secured 151 votes, suggesting support arrived from outside its ranks
• Kumaraswamy admitted four defections in voting and signalled tougher internal decisions

The Karnataka Legislative Council election has set off a firestorm in the BJP-led opposition camp, with the saffron party vowing disciplinary action against legislators who cross-voted after the ruling Congress swept five of the seven seats at stake.

The election, held on Thursday, delivered an unexpected boost to the Congress and exposed cracks within both the BJP and its ally, the JD(S). While the BJP managed to win two seats, the JD(S) failed to secure its lone seat as alleged cross-voting by lawmakers from both parties tilted the contest in Congress’ favour.

Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra said the legislators who allegedly voted against the party line had been identified and warned that strict action was in the offing.

“I have all the information on who cross-voted yesterday. Six to seven JD(S) MLAs cross-voted yesterday. From BJP also, a minimum 5-6 MLAs have cross-voted. No question of forgiving our MLAs who cross-voted,” Vijayendra said.

He said he had sought an appointment with BJP President Nitin Nabin to discuss the issue and determine the next course of action. "We will take whatever action needs to be taken against them," he added.

The cross-voting was a jolt to the BJP, particularly amid reports of factional differences and resentment against the state leadership.

On the other hand, Congress emerged as the biggest winner, with all five of its candidates elected. The ruling party secured 151 votes -- 11 more than the 140 it was expected to receive, indicating support from legislators outside its ranks.

The election also proved a reality check for the JD(S), which entered the contest with only 18 votes and fielded a candidate largely to assess internal unity ahead of the Bengaluru civic polls and the 2028 Assembly election.

Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy acknowledged that some party lawmakers had voted against the party candidate but disputed the BJP’s estimate.

“Four people have cross-voted. I know who they are. I also know they have discussed quitting the party... Let those who want to go, go,” he said.

Projecting confidence despite the setback, Kumaraswamy said the party would focus on rebuilding its base with younger leaders.

"New youngsters, as they say, ‘Gen Z’, will join the party... I already knew this result. So I am not disturbed," he said.

He added that the election had offered an important lesson for the party leadership. “They have given a message that excessive trust is not good. Our own people have sent a message to correct the habit of trusting... The real battle is the 2028 election.”

Asked about disciplinary measures against cross-voting MLAs, Kumaraswamy said consultations could take place within the party, but the final decision would rest with him.

Eight candidates contested seven Council seats elected by MLAs. Congress candidates Thippannappa Kamknoor, PV Mohan, BK Hariprasad, Shivanna BS and Vinay Karthik Prakash won, while BJP candidates Lingaraj Patil and Raghu R secured the remaining two seats. JD(S) candidate Govindaraju was defeated.

Congress leaders see the result as a shot in the arm for newly appointed Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Karnataka unit chief BK Hariprasad, who not only kept their flock together, but also managed to snag votes from rival camps.

- Ends