'Only Way To Find Truth': Karnataka BJP Plans Dharmasthala Meet, MLAs To Take Oath Before Deity Over Cross-Voting

Published 21 June 2026 · politics

'Only Way To Find Truth': Karnataka BJP Plans Dharmasthala Meet, MLAs To Take Oath Before Deity Over Cross-Voting Published By, Last Updated: June 21, 2026

'Only Way To Find Truth': Karnataka BJP Plans Dharmasthala Meet, MLAs To Take Oath Before Deity Over Cross-Voting Published By, Last Updated: June 21, 2026, 11:40 IST Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra to convene a legislature meet in Dharmasthala, MLAs to take oath before Lord Manjunatheshwara over alleged cross voting in MLC polls. Voters queue up to cast their ballots for the Solapur Local Authorities Constituency Legislative Council election, in Solapur, Maharashtra, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (PTI Photo) The Karnataka BJP is set to hold a special party meeting at Dharmasthala within the next few days, sources said. The meeting is being held following allegations of cross-voting by some party legislators during the recent MLC elections. Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra said the party cadre was deeply upset over the alleged cross-voting and that there was widespread disappointment among workers.

He said the meeting was being convened to clear doubts among party members and establish the truth behind the voting pattern. “Party workers are very upset with the cross-voting in the MLC elections. There is a lot of disappointment. To clear the minds of party workers, I have decided to call a party legislature meeting in Dharmasthala in the next four to five days," Vijayendra said. The BJP chief said the legislators would be asked to take an oath before Lord Manjunatheshwara at the famous temple in Dharmasthala and disclose whether they had voted against the party’s instructions. “Our MLAs have to take an oath in front of Lord Manjunatheshwara and speak out about what they have done in the MLC elections," he said. BJP Probing Claims Of Cross-Voting During MLC Polls The move comes after concerns within the party over possible cross-voting during the MLC polls, where voting is conducted through a confidential ballot.

Vijayendra said the secrecy of the voting process had left the party with limited options to determine whether any legislators had violated the party line. “Since it was a confidential voting, I am left with no other choice. This is the only way left to find out the truth," he said. Sources said the BJP leadership is considering the oath-taking exercise as a symbolic attempt to establish the loyalty of its legislators. Some MLAs have reportedly come under suspicion, though those facing allegations have denied any involvement and maintained that they voted according to the party’s direction. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.