Karnataka BJP drops Dharmasthala truth test, forms panel to find ‘betrayers’ who cross-voted | Bengaluru News
BENGALURU: BJP has called off its proposal to take MLAs to Dharmasthala for an oath-taking exercise to identify alleged cross-voters during the legislative council polls last week.Opposition leader R Ashoka Monday said the party would instead abide by advice of senior functionaries who opposed the move. The development comes ahead of a meeting between state BJP president BY Vijayendra, Ashoka and party national president Nitin Nabin in New Delhi Tuesday to discuss the issue. The proposed meeting in Dharmasthala had drawn attention after Vijayendra suggested MLAs could take a “pramaana” before Lord Manjunatha and declare whether they had cross-voted. However, Ashoka said many functionaries had advised against using a religious place for a political issue.Ashoka said senior legislator S Suresh Kumar, former CM DV Sadananda Gowda, deputy opposition leader Arvind Bellad and Union minister Pralhad Joshi were among those who spoke to him, opposing the plan.“They said it would set a bad precedent and advised us not to proceed with it,” Ashoka said. “While both our candidates won, the cross-voting indicates some legislators betrayed BJP. A committee has been constituted to investigate the matter and will submit its report. We will forward the findings to central brass.”Governing Congress won five of the seven seats that went to polls, securing a total 151 votes — 11 more than its expected tally. Ashoka alleged money was involved, and called it “horse-trading”. He said those who cross-voted will face disciplinary action after the party completes its inquiry.
