Sringeri assembly seat: BJP expresses confidence ahead of July 23 SC verdict

Chikkamagaluru: BJP leader DN Jeevaraj said the Congress party’s oath before God in connection with alleged tampering of votes was meant to mislead people, and said he was confident of getting justice in the apex court on July 23.

“The apex court hearing is on July 23. I have full faith that the verdict will be in my favour,” said Jeevaraj. He spoke on Monday during a Sringeri assembly segment BJP workers’ meet in Koppa, where he said he contested the assembly election from Sringeri to serve people and not to enjoy power.

Jeevaraj was announced defeated by 201 votes against Congress’ TD Rajegowda in 2023, but Jeevaraj was declared winner after a recount on May 2. Following the result, Rajegowda alleged tampering of votes and moved the apex court, which directed continuing Rajegowda.

Jeevaraj said he suspected foul play when the Congress approached the court to stay the recounting of votes. In the matter of the recount, BJP counting agent submitted a written request to the returning officer to recount votes.

Accusing Rajegowda of targeting him, Jeevaraj said Rajegowda filed several complaints against him. “Congress claimed vote tampering, but the strong room was under surveillance of CCTV cameras. If there was any tampering, you should tell the court where it happened,” he charged.

“Congress managed to convert invalid votes to valid for Rajegowda in the 2023 counting. The invalid votes stored in a box were shifted to Rajegowda’s box and counted,” Jeevaraj said.

BJP district general secretary J Punyapal said if a defeated candidate requested a recounting with a difference of a few votes, it was their constitutional right, but officials denied it. He said Congress accused Jeevaraj of influencing officials, but once the results were announced, it was impossible for anyone to influence the Election Commission.

BJP district vice-president JS Mahabala Rao said, “In 2023, the result caused a lot of disturbance. After a 3-year legal battle, Jeevaraj took oath as MLA on May 6 but had to step down due to the court’s order. “I am confident Jeevaraj will become MLA again”.

NR Pura Mandal president Neelesh called on supporters to prepare for the upcoming election. “We must defeat Congress in the constituency and make Jeevaraj MLA again,” he said.

Sringeri town panchayat president Harish Shetty, Koppa Mandal BJP president HK Dinesh Hosur and Sringeri Mandal president Umesh and others were present.