Karnataka: BJP MLA Cross-Votes In Rajya Sabha Elections — All About It

In a dramatic turn of events during the Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka, MLA S T Somashekar has allegedly cross-voted in favour of the Congress party, as disclosed on Tuesday (27 February), by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief whip Doddanagouda G Patil.

The voting process for four seats from the state's upper house of Parliament was underway.

Expressing concern over the development, Patil stated, "It is confirmed that S T Somashekar has cross-voted. We are discussing what can be done and what action to be taken."

Meanwhile, Somashekar's decision to deviate from the party's directive was made by a cryptic remark he made before casting his vote, emphasising his priority for constituency welfare.

"I will vote in favour of those who assure me and give confidence that they will give funds for the water and other management in my constituency," Somashekar asserted.

Also Read: Uttar Pradesh: Akhilesh Yadav Concedes Defeat On Third Rajya Sabha Seat As Many Samajwadi Party MLAs Cross-Vote For BJP

In response to the reported cross-voting, BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) maintained, "Sometimes such things happen. The party had given clear direction to vote for BJP-Janata Dal (secular) candidates."

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao expressed confidence in the unity of his party members, criticising BJP's alleged tactics to secure victory.

"We all are intact. For the BJP, it has become a practice to use any method to win," Rao remarked.

The ongoing elections in Karnataka have witnessed a tussle between various political factions, with five candidates vying for the four Rajya Sabha seats.

Among them are Ajay Maken, Syed Naseer Hussain, and G C Chandrasekhar from the Congress, Narayansa Bandage representing the BJP, and Kupendra Reddy from JD(S).

Each candidate requires a minimum of 45 votes in the 224-MLA Karnataka Assembly to clinch a Rajya Sabha seat.

While the Congress holds 135 MLAs, the BJP's 66 MLAs provide support for its primary candidate, Narayansa Bhandage.

In parallel developments, reports have emerged from Uttar Pradesh suggesting cross-voting by several Samajwadi Party MLAs in favour of the BJP.

Also Read: Himachal Rajya Sabha Elections: Amid Rumours Of Cross-Voting For BJP, Congress Government Faces Threat Of Collapse