Will the recounting of votes in the Malur Assembly seat change the outcome?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Recounting of votes in Malur is set for Tuesday.
- The process will take place at the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Kolar.
- BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy raises concerns over electoral integrity.
- The Karnataka High Court found serious issues in the election process.
- Suspicion surrounds the absence of camera surveillance.
Kolar (Karnataka), Nov 10 (NationPress) The leader of the Legislative Council Opposition and seasoned BJP figure, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, announced on Monday that the recounting of votes for the Malur Assembly Constituency is set to occur on Tuesday at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Kolar, following a court directive.
A delegation from the BJP met with Kolar District Deputy Commissioner M.R. Ravi on Monday to present a memorandum regarding the recounting.
The BJP officials also ridiculed the Congress party's allegations concerning voter fraud.
During a media interaction, Narayanaswamy highlighted the narrow victory margin in the constituency, stating, "The BJP candidate lost due to the interference of certain individuals, and no recounting was performed at that time."
He further claimed, "Our BJP polling agents were forcibly removed at the last moment, leading to our suspicions. We approached the court, which has now issued an order, and the case even reached the Supreme Court,” he elaborated.
Narayanaswamy questioned the absence of camera surveillance for the counting process in Malur, stating, "There is always camera oversight during counting; other constituencies have recorded footage – why not for Malur?"
He raised concerns about vote tally discrepancies that further fueled doubts about the electoral process.
He expressed confidence that the counting will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, as assured by the Deputy Commissioner.
Narayanaswamy asserted, "We are aware of the ongoing situation across the country and what actions the Congress is taking."
He emphasized the necessity for the recount to occur under camera surveillance and requested that any individuals attempting to apply pressure be kept away.
In response to a question, he mentioned historical electoral malpractices, stating, "Didn’t B.R. Ambedkar lose in 1952? Who was accountable for that electoral misconduct? In 1971-72, when Raj Narain went to court alleging election fraud, what ruling did the Allahabad High Court deliver? What turmoil did that judgment incite in the nation?"
He noted, "If T.N. Seshan hadn’t served as Election Commissioner, the independence of the Election Commission as a constitutional body would have remained unrecognized in this country."
Attendees included MLC Keshava Prasad S, BJP Chief Spokesperson C.N. Ashwath Narayan, Malur BJP candidate Manjunath Gowda, and BJP District President Chalapathi.
The Karnataka High Court annulled the election of K.Y. Nanjegowda (Congress MLA from Malur) in the 2023 Assembly elections, citing "serious transparency issues" in the electoral process.
The court mandated a recount of votes in the constituency to be completed within four weeks.
This petition was filed by K.S. Manjunath Gowda (BJP), who lost to Nanjegowda by a narrow margin of 248 votes in 2023.
The Supreme Court stayed the High Court’s order on October 14, 2025, allowing Nanjegowda to remain as MLA temporarily.
The apex court instructed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to carry out the recount and deliver the results in a sealed cover.