Karnataka MLC Polls: Kumaraswamy Breaks Silence, Says JD(S) Defeat Due to Expected Cross-Voting

JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Friday said the defeat of his party’s candidate in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections did not come as a surprise, claiming that he was already aware of the possibility of cross-voting by some legislators.

Addressing reporters, Kumaraswamy said he had prior knowledge about lawmakers who could vote against the party’s official stand. He asserted that the voting pattern and the eventual outcome were within his expectations and that the developments had not caught him off guard.

The ruling Congress emerged victorious in five of the seven Legislative Council seats , while the BJP won two seats . The JD(S) failed to secure a single seat , with its candidate Govindaraju receiving only 14 votes.

The election results highlighted cross-voting within the opposition camp, with Congress receiving 151 votes , surpassing its projected strength of 140. Initial reports indicated that legislators from both the JD(S) and BJP may have supported Congress candidates, though parties differed over the exact number of defectors.

Kumaraswamy said he had contested the election partly to evaluate the commitment of his party legislators. He indicated that the poll served as a test of internal discipline and loyalty within the JD(S).

Referring to JD(S) founder and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda , Kumaraswamy said the veteran leader’s emotional bond with party workers had often led him to avoid strict action despite repeated setbacks.

However, Kumaraswamy suggested that the party’s approach would now change, stressing that protecting the JD(S) and the interests of Karnataka would require difficult decisions. He said there would be no compromise on steps needed to strengthen the organisation.

The Union Minister also pointed towards a generational transition within the party, announcing plans to give more importance to younger leaders and fresh faces.

On the possibility of disciplinary measures against legislators involved in cross-voting, Kumaraswamy said discussions would be held at different levels, but the final decision would be taken by him based on feedback from party workers.

The MLC election outcome has intensified speculation over internal challenges within the JD(S) and the impact of cross-voting on the opposition alliance in Karnataka.