The Janata Dal (Secular),reeling from a disappointing performance in the recent Legislative Council elections,is poised to address the issue of cross-voting with its ally,the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party claims that at least four of its legislators participated in cross-voting,contributing to a total of 11 votes that favored the Congress party,which has raised concerns within the coalition.
Despite the setback, JD(S) leaders maintain that the alliance with NDA will remain intact. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has already reached out to BJP central leaders to discuss the election fallout and the circumstances surrounding cross-voting. Sources within the JD(S) indicated that Kumaraswamy plans to provide a comprehensive report detailing the factors that led to the unexpected voting behavior and the apparent lack of coordination between the two parties .
Reports suggest that the relationship between JD(S) and BJP was strained by inadequate communication regarding vote allocation . Prior to the elections,the BJP had initially committed to transferring six votes to JD(S), but concerns over potential cross-voting prompted a reduction to four. However,JD(S) sources believe that even these four votes did not go to their candidate,further complicating the situation.
On the eve of the election,JD(S) organized a training session for its legislators at a resort near Devanahalli,while BJP opted for a hotel in Bengaluru. Despite training,the party faced a significant loss, with 17 out of 18 legislators participating in the preparatory meeting, including those who ultimately cross-voted. The only exception was G.T. Deve Gowda, who did not attend .
Following election, several legislators urged Kumaraswamy to investigate the cross-voting and take appropriate action. However,he appeared reluctant to pursue disciplinary measures. Sources revealed that Kumaraswamy expressed a philosophy of mutual trust in politics,suggesting that any member wishing to leave the party would be free to do so. He emphasized relationship based on understanding rather than coercion.
C.B. Suresh Babu,the leader of the JD(S) Legislative Party,confirmed that they have requested disciplinary action against the legislators involved in cross-voting, leaving the final decision to Kumaraswamy. He accused the Congress party of engaging in horse trading,asserting that the names of those who crossed floor would eventually come to light.
The fallout from election has not only raised questions about party loyalty but also about the future dynamics of the NDA alliance. JD(S) leaders remain optimistic,asserting that the ruling Congress has inadvertently strengthened their coalition by alienating both JD(S) and BJP supporters.
