Cross-Voters Will Be Punished: BJP’s R Ashoka After Panel Submits Interim Report | Exclusive

Last Updated:June 28, 2026, 15:58 IST

According to party sources, the report identifies three MLAs suspected of cross-voting and one invalid vote

The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has signalled strict disciplinary action against legislators accused of cross-voting in the recent Legislative Council elections, with Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, in an exclusive interview, telling CNN-News18 that those responsible “will not contest the next election".

His remarks came after BJP MLC CT Ravi, who is part of the party’s three-member committee constituted to investigate the cross-voting, submitted an interim report to the BJP leadership.

According to party sources, the report identifies three MLAs suspected of cross-voting and one invalid vote, while detailing the sequence of events leading up to the election and the committee’s preliminary findings. The report is expected to be examined by the party’s central leadership before disciplinary action is initiated.

Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Ashoka said he was yet to study the report but made it clear that the BJP viewed the matter as a serious breach of party discipline.

“I have not seen CT Ravi’s report yet. He called me this morning and informed me that he had submitted it. I will go through the report. The High Command is taking this issue very seriously. We have already gathered information about those responsible for the cross-voting," Ashoka said.

Without naming the legislators, Ashoka accused a handful of MLAs of damaging the party’s image.

“Three or four mischievous MLAs have brought a bad name to the Karnataka BJP. We will not spare them. We will teach them a lesson in the history of politics. They will not contest the next election," he said.

The BJP was left embarrassed after suspected cross-voting during the Legislative Council elections despite issuing a whip to all its legislators. Asked what had gone wrong, Ashoka admitted that the leadership itself was caught by surprise.

“We were also surprised by the cross-voting. Even Basanagouda Patil Yatnal came to my office around 12:30 pm and assured me that he would vote according to the party’s direction. Now C.T. Ravi has submitted the report. We will examine it and send it to the High Command. Within a day or two, it will become clear who the cross-voters are," he said.

However, Ashoka indicated that the BJP was unlikely to immediately disclose the names of those identified in the report.

“That is our strategy. We have to decide what action to take first. If we make the names public immediately, we have to consider whether it will benefit them or the BJP. We will decide accordingly," he said.

Ashoka also revealed that the issue figured prominently during his recent visit to New Delhi along with Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra, where the two leaders briefed the party’s central leadership on the developments.

“The central leadership had already received information from other sources. They told us not to worry. They said they would handle the cross-voting MLAs, while asking us to focus on strengthening the party and preparing for the 2028 Assembly elections," Ashoka said.

On growing speculation over a possible change in the Karnataka BJP leadership following the cross-voting episode and a series of electoral setbacks, Ashoka said no such discussion had taken place during his meetings in Delhi.

“We met the national president and the national general secretary, but there was no discussion about changing the state leadership. Whatever decision has to be taken will be taken by the High Command. As of now, we have received no communication," he said.

When specifically asked whether B.Y. Vijayendra would continue as Karnataka BJP president, Ashoka replied, “I don’t know. Only the High Command will decide."

Senior BJP MLA Dr C.N. Ashwath Narayan also has called for strict action against those responsible for the cross-voting in the Legislative Council elections, saying the truth would eventually come out and the party would act based on evidence.

Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Ashwath Narayan said, “Whoever has cross-voted definitely needs to be punished. There is no doubt about it."

On the interim report submitted by BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, Ashwath Narayan said he had not yet seen it.

“I am not aware of the report. The party will look into it. I think it is only a matter of time before the truth comes out. Whether we like it or not, the truth will come out, and the party will look into it," he said.

When asked what he believed had prompted some legislators to cross-vote, Ashwath Narayan refrained from speculating, saying several theories were doing the rounds but none could be confirmed without evidence.

“I don’t know what the reason could be. Many people are giving many reasons. Some say it was for development funds, others say there was monetary inducement, and there are many more theories. I think the truth will come out. Let me not presume anything. It is not fair on my part to make such statements," he said.

He stressed that the party should rely only on facts before fixing responsibility.

“The truth should come out in a concrete manner, in black and white, with all the evidence. We cannot make statements or allegations without evidence. We need proper proof before making such allegations," he added.

About the Author

Rohini Swamy

Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously wor...Read More

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