Karnataka BJP faces internal crisis after MLC poll cross-voting

The political fallout stems from the June 18 polls, where the BJP secured only two of the seven contested seats despite holding 64 assembly seats. Internal audits reveal a significant shortfall; the party's official candidates received only 56 votes, indicating that at least eight votes were diverted. The Congress party capitalized on this instability, securing five seats with 151 votes, while the JD(S) candidate suffered a seven-vote deficit, suggesting the rebellion extended beyond BJP ranks.

State president BY Vijayendra has launched an internal probe to identify the defectors. A three-member committee consisting of CT Ravi, N Mahesh, and Mahesh Tenginakayi must deliver a final report by June 25. R Ashoka and other senior state leaders are currently in the national capital to brief party president Nitin Nabin on the investigation, signaling that the party intends to expel or sanction the responsible members to prevent further erosion of legislative discipline.