Sringeri recount row: Ex-Congress MLA Rajegowda alleges 'vote dacoity' after losing seat
Synopsis
A court-ordered recount of postal ballots in Karnataka's Sringeri Assembly Constituency has overturned the original result, replacing sitting Congress MLA T.D. Rajegowda with BJP's D.N. Jeevaraj. Rajegowda has called it 'vote dacoity' and warned the outcome could set a dangerous precedent for electoral malpractice nationwide.
Key Takeaways
Rajegowda (Congress) lost the Sringeri Assembly seat after a court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
Rajegowda claims he originally won by a margin of 201 votes and the recount was used to deliberately invalidate votes.
Jeevaraj was declared winner following the recount, reversing the Election Commission of India -certified result.
Rajegowda termed the outcome
Former Congress MLA T.D. Rajegowda has alleged grave electoral injustice following a recount of votes in the Sringeri Assembly Constituency, claiming he originally won the seat by a margin of 201 votes. The controversy erupted after a court-ordered recount of postal ballots handed victory to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate D.N. Jeevaraj, unseating Rajegowda as the sitting MLA.
What the Recount Decided
Following an election petition, a court ordered the recount of rejected postal ballots in the Sringeri segment. The court further directed that if a substantial discrepancy was found, valid postal ballots would also be recounted. After the process concluded, BJP's D.N. Jeevaraj was declared the winner, reversing the original result that had certified Rajegowda as the elected MLA.
Rajegowda's Allegations
Speaking to the media on Tuesday in Bengaluru, Rajegowda described the recount outcome as
Point of View
Warning of a dangerous nationwide precedent.The matter is headed for further judicial scrutiny, with Rajegowda expressing faith in both the ECI and the courts.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Sringeri Assembly Constituency recount?
A court ordered a recount of rejected postal ballots in the Sringeri Assembly Constituency, after which BJP candidate D.N. Jeevaraj was declared the winner, overturning the original result that had certified Congress MLA T.D. Rajegowda as the elected member.
Why does T.D. Rajegowda call it 'vote dacoity'?
Rajegowda alleges that votes were deliberately invalidated during the recount to alter the electoral outcome, calling it not mere vote theft but 'vote dacoity.' He maintains his original win of 201 votes was certified in the presence of agents from all parties.
What was the court's role in the Sringeri recount?
Following an election petition, the court dismissed most allegations but ordered a recount of rejected postal ballots. It further directed that if a substantial discrepancy was found, valid postal ballots should also be recounted.
What legal steps is Rajegowda taking?
Rajegowda has expressed confidence in seeking justice through the Election Commission of India and the judiciary. He clarified he approached the court because allegations were made against him, and he intends to pursue the matter legally.
What is the broader significance of the Sringeri recount row?
Rajegowda has warned that if justice is not served, it could set a dangerous precedent for electoral malpractice across India. The case raises questions about postal ballot handling and recount procedures in Karnataka assembly elections.
