With the completion of the reverification and recounting of postal ballots in the Sringeri constituency of the 2023 state Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has asserted its victory. Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has accused a “large-scale conspiracy and systematic crime” in the Chikkamagaluru district seat, labeling it a stain on the nation and democracy.
Shivakumar expressed surprise at the unfolding events, citing reports of former BJP MLA D.N. Jeevaraj’s alleged misuse of officials and irregularities in postal ballots. He emphasized that legal action would be pursued by the Congress, stressing the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The BJP, based on figures from the Election Officer, has claimed victory, although the official result is pending from the Election Commission of India. Meanwhile, Congress MLA T.D. Rajegowda celebrated victory following the recount, prompting a backlash from the BJP accusing the Congress of “vote theft.”
