Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday alleged large-scale irregularities in the recounting of votes in the Sringeri Assembly constituency, claiming that postal ballots cast in favour of the Congress candidate were tampered with and subsequently invalidated. Shivakumar vowed a legal fight, describing the incident as "one of the biggest conspiracies in the country."

What Happened in Sringeri

In the recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly segment, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate D.N. Jeevaraj emerged victorious against sitting Indian National Congress (Congress) MLA T.D. Rajegowda. Jeevaraj officially received his MLA certificate on Monday and described the win — achieved after a three-year legal battle — as "a victory for truth."

Jeevaraj had earlier alleged irregularities during vote counting after the 2023 election, and claimed that a significant discrepancy was found in votes that had previously been rejected, which the recount subsequently addressed in his favour.

What Shivakumar Alleged

Addressing reporters at Chief Minister's official residence 'Krishna' in Bengaluru, Shivakumar alleged that after postal ballots were opened in the presence of agents from both parties and election officials and duly validated, the BJP candidate allegedly misused officials to alter the ballots. "Such an incident has not taken place anywhere in the country. We will take up a legal fight against this," he said.

He further alleged that the BJP candidate specifically insisted on recounting certain bundles of votes. "There appears to be involvement of both officials and the BJP candidate in this malpractice. A thorough and serious investigation is necessary," Shivakumar said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Weighs In

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also levelled serious allegations of electoral malpractice in the Sringeri constituency, claiming that a "criminal conspiracy" had taken place in the handling of postal ballots and vote counting. Both senior Congress leaders have urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to intervene and ensure justice.

This comes amid a broader political flashpoint in Karnataka, where the ruling Congress and the BJP have been locked in an escalating war of words over electoral processes since the 2023 state assembly elections.

Congress Vows Legal Action

Shivakumar accused the BJP in Karnataka of direct involvement in the alleged wrongdoing and asserted that the Congress would pursue the matter through legal means. "We know how to handle politics," he added. The Congress has not yet specified which court or forum it intends to approach, but party leaders indicated that steps would be taken swiftly.

With both sides now staking out firm positions — the BJP celebrating a hard-won legal victory and the Congress alleging a conspiracy — the Sringeri recount row is set to escalate into a prolonged legal and political battle in the weeks ahead.