Sringeri recount row: BJP demands oath for Jeevaraj, accuses Congress of blocking mandate
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, launched a sharp attack on the Congress over the Sringeri Assembly constituency recount row, alleging that the Karnataka government was misusing state machinery to prevent BJP leader D.N. Jeevaraj from taking oath as MLA — despite being officially declared elected following a court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
Background: Three Years After the Election
The controversy traces back to the 2022 Karnataka Assembly elections, in which Congress candidate T.D. Rajegowda was initially declared the winner from the Sringeri constituency and subsequently served as MLA. However, following a legal challenge, the Karnataka High Court directed a recount of postal ballots — a process that took place nearly three years after the original election.
The recount resulted in D.N. Jeevaraj being declared elected by a margin of 52 votes, and he has since received his official election certificate. Despite this, Jeevaraj has not yet been administered the oath of office.
What Vijayendra Said
Addressing the media, Vijayendra alleged that the episode was clear evidence of why certain Congress leaders oppose elections conducted through ballot papers. He described the Karnataka government's alleged efforts to delay Jeevaraj's oath as
