BJP State President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the Congress regarding the Sringeri recount issue, highlighting why some in the Congress oppose ballot paper elections. He mentioned that despite a democratic election process, BJP leader D.N. Jeevaraj was unable to assume office as an MLA. Jeevaraj won the Sringeri Assembly constituency by 52 votes after a recount of postal ballots, directed by the High Court three years post the Assembly elections.
The Karnataka government was accused by Vijayendra of obstructing Jeevaraj from taking oath through misuse of state machinery, which he termed a political disgrace. He urged Speaker U.T. Khader to uphold his constitutional office’s dignity by promptly administering the oath to Jeevaraj based on people’s mandate and court decisions. Vijayendra warned of a potential protest if the oath administration was further delayed.
Vijayendra expressed concern over the delay in Jeevaraj assuming office, attributing it to the alleged illegal election of Congress candidate D.T. Rajegowda through postal ballots. He emphasized the importance of the court’s intervention, leading to a transparent recount that officially declared D.N. Jeevaraj as the elected MLA, albeit after a significant delay. The denial of nearly three years of MLA tenure to Jeevaraj was criticized as a tragedy for democracy and an insult to Sringeri voters.
