Will act against Mir Sadiqs: BJP forms fact-finding panel after cross-voting in Karnataka MLC polls

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jun 19, 2026: Stung by cross-voting during the elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council, the BJP on Friday constituted a three-member fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the voting and identify those responsible.

The committee comprises MLC C.T. Ravi, BJP State Vice-President N. Mahesh, and Hubballi-Dharwad Central MLA Mahesh Tenginkai. The panel has been directed to submit its report by June 25.

Addressing reporters, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra said the party had received information indicating that six to seven votes from the JD(S) and four to five votes from BJP legislators may have been cast in favour of rival candidates.

"Ours is a national party, and there is no question of pardoning those who have cross-voted. We have some information about who might have been involved," Vijayendra said.

He added that he had sought an appointment with BJP National President Nitin Nabin to discuss the political developments in Karnataka and the issue of cross-voting. Vijayendra said he would meet the national leadership either on Friday or Monday, depending on availability.

"The party will seriously consider the issue of ’Mir Sadiqs’ and take action against them," he asserted.

The reference to "Mir Sadiq" is significant in Karnataka politics. Mir Sadiq, a minister in Tipu Sultan’s administration, is widely regarded as having betrayed the Mysore ruler during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, which culminated in Tipu Sultan’s death in 1799.

Vijayendra also accused the Congress of attempting to fuel internal discord within the BJP by circulating the names of legislators allegedly involved in cross-voting. He maintained that such efforts would not affect the party.

Meanwhile, some BJP MLAs whose names have surfaced in speculation have publicly denied cross-voting and rejected the allegations.