Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday, 4 May 2025, alleged a "large-scale conspiracy and systematic crime" in the Sringeri constituency of Chikkamagaluru district after the reverification and recount of postal ballots — ordered by the Karnataka High Court — reduced Congress sitting MLA T.D. Rajegowda's postal vote tally by 250 votes, prompting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to claim victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. Shivakumar called the development a "blot on the country and democracy", vowing legal action.

What the Recount Revealed

Election Officer Gaurav Kumar Shetty confirmed that the recount altered the vote tallies for both candidates. BJP candidate D.N. Jeevaraj's postal votes fell marginally from 692 to 690 — a reduction of two votes. Congress MLA T.D. Rajegowda's postal vote count, however, dropped sharply from 569 to 314 — a reduction of 250 votes.

Jeevaraj had originally lost to Rajegowda in the 2023 Assembly elections by a narrow margin of 201 votes. Following the recount, the BJP claims Jeevaraj has now won by 56 votes. A report has been submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI), though the official result is yet to be formally declared by the ECI.

What Shivakumar Said

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru and later in Hosapete, Shivakumar alleged that former BJP MLA Jeevaraj had "misused officials and committed irregularities in postal ballots." He pointed out that agents of both parties, along with officials, had already signed off on the counting process before the recount was initiated.

"There was a conspiracy to tamper with the postal ballots received by our candidate and declare them invalid," Shivakumar said, adding that the Congress would "fight this legally and explore all available options in the courts." He also drew a parallel with the Jayanagar constituency, alleging similar irregularities there.

BJP's Counterclaim and Celebration

State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said he received information at around 1.55 am that Jeevaraj had won by 56 votes. "It is a matter of joy," Vijayendra said, adding that Jeevaraj had "suffered injustice for three years" and appealing to Congress to accept the people's verdict.

Vijayendra also alleged that Congress was "exerting pressure on officials" to prevent the declaration of results. He noted that sitting MLA Rajegowda was reportedly seeking time to approach the High Court regarding the outcome. Notably, on Saturday, Rajegowda himself had celebrated with supporters near the counting centre after claiming victory following the recount.

Background and Legal Context

The Sringeri seat had been one of the most closely contested in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, with Jeevaraj challenging the original result in court. The Karnataka High Court subsequently directed the reverification and recounting of postal ballots, setting the stage for Sunday's disputed outcome.

This is not an isolated controversy — the Jayanagar constituency has also been flagged by the Congress for similar alleged irregularities, suggesting the postal ballot dispute could widen into a broader legal and political battle in Karnataka. The Congress has indicated it will pursue every available legal remedy, and the final word now rests with the Election Commission of India and the courts.