Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Sunday, 3 May declared that "truth has ultimately prevailed" in the Sringeri Assembly constituency of Chikkamagaluru district, after a High Court-mandated recount of postal ballots reportedly showed BJP candidate D.N. Jeevaraj winning by 56 votes. Vijayendra simultaneously alleged that the ruling Indian National Congress (Congress) was exerting pressure on officials to delay the formal declaration of results.

What the Recount Revealed

Speaking to reporters in Tumakuru, Vijayendra said he received information at around 1.55 am that Jeevaraj had won by 56 votes. The recount was ordered by the Karnataka High Court, which had raised concerns over discrepancies in the vote tallies of the two candidates.

Election Officer Gaurav Kumar Shetty confirmed that the reverification and recounting of postal ballots had been completed and a report submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Shetty stated, "The High Court had raised concerns regarding the difference in votes secured by the candidates. In the case of Jeevaraj, his postal votes have reduced by two, from 692 to 690. In the case of T.D. Rajegowda, his earlier total of 569 votes has come down to 314, a difference of 250 votes."

Notably, no official result has been declared at this stage, as the report now rests with the Election Commission.

Background: The 2023 Sringeri Contest

The Sringeri constituency drew significant attention during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, where BJP candidate D.N. Jeevaraj lost to Congress candidate T.D. Rajegowda by a narrow margin of 201 votes. Following the defeat, Jeevaraj filed a petition seeking a recount of postal ballots, challenging Rajegowda's victory. The matter subsequently reached the High Court, which directed the recount that has now been completed.

BJP's Allegations Against Congress

Vijayendra alleged that the sitting Congress MLA T.D. Rajegowda was attempting to seek time to approach the High Court regarding the outcome, and accused the Congress of pressuring officials to prevent the result declaration. "The defeated candidate and sitting MLA, T.D. Rajegowda is attempting to seek time to approach the High Court regarding the outcome. I appeal to everyone through the media that Jeevaraj has won with the blessings of the people. He has already suffered injustice for three years. This should not continue. Congress should accept the people's verdict and allow him to serve as their representative for the remaining two-year term," Vijayendra said.

In a dramatic development, sitting Congress MLA T.D. Rajegowda also claimed victory following the recount and celebrated with his supporters near the counting centre on Saturday. The BJP subsequently launched a sharp attack on the Congress and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over alleged "vote theft."

Vijayendra's Appeal and What's Next

Vijayendra described Jeevaraj's perseverance as a testament to constitutional methods and expressed gratitude to Sringeri voters. "This is not just an individual victory, but a testament to the principle that truth never loses in a democracy," he said.

With the report now before the Election Commission, the formal declaration of the winner remains pending. The BJP's claim of victory — based on figures provided by the Election Officer — is yet to receive official sanction, and the possibility of further legal proceedings by the Congress cannot be ruled out.