Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Monday, 4 May termed the Sringeri Assembly recount result as "dangerous for the entire country," levelling sharp allegations of a conspiracy against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His remarks came after BJP candidate D.N. Jeevaraj was declared victorious over sitting Congress MLA T.D. Rajegowda following a court-ordered reverification of postal ballots in the constituency.

Background: What the Recount Was About

The reverification and recounting of postal ballots in the Sringeri constituency — part of the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections — was undertaken on the orders of the Karnataka High Court. Election Officer Gaurav Kumar Shetty officially announced the revised result on Monday, reversing the earlier outcome that had favoured the sitting Congress legislator.

What Shivakumar Alleged

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said, "The Sringeri recount result is dangerous for the entire country. I did not expect that there would be criminals to this extent in the BJP." He described the development as "a conspiracy" and said it was "extremely shocking."

"We will order an investigation at the government level and also fight this legally," he added. He went further, characterising the incident as resembling an "international conspiracy," and questioned how alterations could have occurred after ballot bundles were sealed and declared valid. "By using some people, additional marks have been put on ballot papers that had votes in our favour. After all bundles were declared valid, how did this alteration happen?" he asked.

Key Irregularities Cited

Shivakumar claimed that each vote is normally shown to all agents and recorded on camera, and that bundles are sealed after counting. He alleged that the bundles were subsequently reopened and additional markings were made, after which a court order was obtained to count only those ballots. "Earlier, all parties had signed off stating the results were correct, and records are available with the Election Commission. But changes have emerged during the recount. In some cases, ballot papers have marks for more than one candidate. A complaint has also been filed," he stated.

He also said the Returning Officer should have submitted the results to the court directly, and termed the entire episode "a blot on the entire state."

Broader Pattern of Disputes Raised

Shivakumar drew parallels with other contested electoral matters, noting that a leader had allegedly swallowed a ballot paper during a cooperative election in the past. He also referenced the case of Gayathri Shanthagowda, which he said was being stalled in court, and pointed out that Soumya Reddy had lost by 12 votes in a result that had still not been recounted. "How will this be addressed?" he questioned.

Responding to Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) allegations that the use of ballot papers in local body elections could lead to misuse, Shivakumar deflected: "First, let us see whether they will contest elections independently or merge with the BJP."

What Comes Next

The Congress has indicated it will pursue both a government-level investigation and legal action. With the matter already rooted in a Karnataka High Court order, further judicial proceedings are likely, and the controversy is expected to intensify political tensions in the state as the party prepares its response in the coming days.