Karnataka BJP chief denies links to CM Shivakumar amid cross‑voting scandal

B.Y. Vijayendra, Karnataka BJP president, said he has no business or personal connection with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and rejected claims that he encouraged cross‑voting in the recent Legislative Council elections. Speaking after prayers at Dharmasthala, he dismissed rumors of a joint scheme between him and the CM, accused the Congress of spreading false propaganda, and pledged to strengthen the party ahead of future contests.

Senior BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, heading a three‑member fact‑finding committee, announced that a preliminary inquiry into the cross‑voting has been completed. The sealed report will be given to Vijayendra and forwarded to the party’s central leadership. Ravi said no member can be branded without concrete proof and highlighted an alleged Rs 250 crore fraud in the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, urging a CBI investigation.