Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, announced that the party would submit a detailed report to its national leadership on the alleged cross-voting and whip violation by some BJP legislators during the recently held Karnataka Legislative Council elections. The disclosure comes after a bruising electoral outcome that has left the state unit visibly embarrassed.

What Vijayendra Said in New Delhi

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Vijayendra confirmed that he, along with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, MLC Ravi Kumar — who was in charge of the election — and other senior party leaders, would meet BJP National President Nitin Nabin to brief him on developments.

'We will submit a detailed report on what transpired during the Legislative Council elections and the instances of cross-voting by some of our legislators,' Vijayendra said. He added that he had personally called the national president the day after the election results were declared and had been asked to furnish specific details, prompting Tuesday's visit to the capital.

Internal Inquiry Already Under Way

Vijayendra disclosed that the party has constituted a fact-finding committee headed by senior BJP leader C.T. Ravi to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged whip violation. The committee's findings will first be submitted to the state leadership before being forwarded to the national president.

At least three BJP MLAs are believed to have voted in favour of the Congress in the Council polls, with estimates suggesting the number could be as high as six. One BJP candidate failed to secure the required votes in the first round and eventually won only on the strength of second-preference votes — a further source of embarrassment for the party.

The Electoral Fallout

The Congress registered a commanding victory in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections held on 18 June 2026, winning 5 of the 7 seats at stake. The BJP secured the remaining 2 seats, while the NDA-aligned Janata Dal (Secular) suffered a significant setback, losing its candidate due to heavy cross-voting. The outcome is particularly awkward for the BJP at a time when several opposition legislators across the country have reportedly been extending support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Sadananda Gowda Row and Legislature Party Meeting

Vijayendra also addressed remarks made by former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, who had publicly questioned the state leadership over the cross-voting episode. Vijayendra said he was not fully aware of the context of Gowda's statement but confirmed that the former Chief Minister had called him recently. 'Once I return to Bengaluru, I will meet him personally,' he said.

On suggestions that the BJP Legislature Party meeting should not be held at the temple town of Dharmasthala, Vijayendra said he had already conveyed his views and that the final decision rested with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka after consulting all legislators and leaders.

What Happens Next

With the fact-finding committee report expected shortly, the national leadership's response will be closely watched — particularly whether disciplinary action is initiated against the legislators suspected of cross-voting. The episode adds pressure on the Karnataka state unit, which has been navigating internal tensions since losing power in the state to the Congress in 2023.