BJP suffers setback as Karnataka MLA cross-votes for Congress in Rajya Sabha elections

Doddanagouda G. Patil said that the party (BJP) will take action against the MLA. "It is confirmed that ST Somashekar has cross-voted.

Digital Desk: BJP chief whip Doddanagouda G. Patil said on Tuesday that Karnataka MLA ST Somashekar has cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha elections in favour of the Congress. Today was election day for four seats in Karnataka in the Upper House of Parliament.

Doddanagouda G. Patil said that the party (BJP) will take action against the MLA. "It is confirmed that ST Somashekar has cross-voted. We are discussing what can be done and what action to be taken," he added.

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, jabbed the BJP by stating that cross-voting is not probable in his party. He said, “Let them keep their (BJP's) MLAs intact. Cross-voting is only possible in the BJP, not in Congress.” 

In Karnataka, 3 Congress MPs and 1 BJP MP are retiring. The BJP, after forming an alliance with the Janata Dal (Secular) and nominating one member for a Rajya Sabha seat, has created a contest with 5 candidates for four vacancies. The Congress asserts support from 134 MLAs, claims backing from 3 Independents, and anticipates votes from 2 BJP and multiple JD(S) MLAs. The BJP-JD (S) alliance falls five votes short of the 90 needed to elect two MPs.

According to the current numbers, the BJP is expected to win one seat, and the Congress is guaranteed three.