Dharmasthala: Cross-voting truth will emerge; I have no links with D.K. Shivakumar, says Vijayendra

Mangalore Today News Network

Dharmasthala, Jun 26, 2026: Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra on Friday dismissed allegations linking him to the recent cross-voting in the Legislative Council elections and asserted that he has no personal or political understanding with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

Addressing a press conference at Sannidhi Guest House in Dharmasthala after offering prayers to Lord Manjunath, Vijayendra said he had spent the past few days in New Delhi meeting the BJP’s national leadership before travelling directly to the temple town.

"I prayed for the state to overcome the severe drought-like situation, for farmers to receive good returns for their crops, and for Karnataka to once again get a people-friendly government that protects Hindus and works for the state’s development," he said.

’Cross-voting deeply hurt party workers’

Referring to the recent Legislative Council elections, Vijayendra said the BJP had fielded two senior leaders who had dedicated their lives to the party. However, the cross-voting by BJP MLAs caused immense pain to him and party workers.

"The cross-voting by our own legislators led to widespread speculation. In my emotional state, I suggested convening a BJP Legislature Party meeting in Dharmasthala. I am an emotional person and spoke what I felt. However, senior party leaders advised me against it and suggested that the matter be brought to the attention of the central leadership. Respecting their advice, I dropped the proposal and came here only as a devotee to seek the blessings of Lord Manjunath," he said.

’No relationship with D.K. Shivakumar’

Vijayendra strongly denied allegations that he had any role in facilitating cross-voting or had close ties with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

"Several false campaigns have been carried out against me. During the cross-voting episode, rumours were spread about my alleged relationship with D.K. Shivakumar. Even some people within our own party fuelled these discussions," he said.

"I have been entrusted with this responsibility by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the party leadership. As state president, I will never indulge in such low-level politics. I have no business dealings or personal friendship with D.K. Shivakumar. I have only extended him the courtesy due to him as the Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president," he added.

Vijayendra said he prayed that those spreading misinformation against him would be blessed by God.

’Truth will come out’

Expressing confidence in BJP workers, Vijayendra said the party would uproot the "anti-people" Congress government from Karnataka.

He revealed that several MLAs had contacted him after the controversy and recalled that 17 legislators had joined the BJP under former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa’s leadership, with 15 of them later getting re-elected.

Taking exception to former minister K.S. Eshwarappa’s recent remarks, Vijayendra said Eshwarappa should remember the sacrifices made by Hindu activists and the circumstances under which those legislators joined the BJP.

"At that time, the BJP formed a good government and Eshwarappa served as Rural Development Minister. Today, allegations against our MLAs have created suspicion within the party, but the high command is watching everything. Whether today or tomorrow, the truth will come out," he said.

He reiterated that allegations of his involvement with the Congress in the cross-voting episode were "completely false."

Legislature meeting dropped, statewide tour ahead

Vijayendra said the controversy should now come to an end and announced that he would soon begin a statewide tour.

"No matter how powerful the present Chief Minister appears, we are confident of bringing the BJP back to power in Karnataka," he said.

He maintained that even though the Legislative Council election involved secret voting, facts would eventually emerge. "The BJP is in power at the Centre, and all necessary information will be gathered," he added.

Will discuss report with C.T. Ravi

Vijayendra said he would discuss the cross-voting report with senior BJP leader C.T. Ravi after returning to Bengaluru, adding that no final report had been submitted yet.

He also alleged that MLA S.T. Somashekar had maintained contact with three BJP MLAs and claimed that certain leaders were now making statements to shield them.

He said former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda had attempted to contact him after the cross-voting episode and had also spoken to the party’s general secretary.

"I cannot suspect MLAs merely based on speculation before elections. Such information often circulates during elections," he said.

Responds to criticism from seniors

Vijayendra said he would not comment on Eshwarappa as the latter is neither a BJP MLA nor currently part of the party.

"My conduct has always been proper. I have always respected senior leaders and there is no question of disrespecting them. The national leadership appointed me as state president to strengthen the organisation, not to become Chief Minister," he said.

He urged senior leaders to move beyond personal differences and reiterated that he had done nothing wrong.

"I am ready to take an oath in the name of God that I have committed no wrongdoing. Following the advice of senior leaders, I dropped the proposal to hold the Legislature Party meeting in Dharmasthala and came here purely as a devotee," he said.

Targets Congress government

Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Vijayendra alleged that outsiders had influenced BJP MLAs during the cross-voting and said the role of D.K. Shivakumar would also be examined.

He also criticised the Congress government over alleged irregularities in the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, claiming that even the CAG report had highlighted issues.

"The government should first remove the political appointees heading the guarantee schemes and hand over responsibility to officials. Congress leaders have been appointed to these posts and public money has been misused," he alleged.

Vijayendra further said the BJP would soon announce its next phase of agitation over the Bidadi issue after consultations with senior leaders in New Delhi.