BJP slams Congress over poll rigging allegations, Tipu-KRS claims in Karnataka

The Hindu

7 hours ago

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flayed the Congress for its allegations of 'vote theft' and claims that the foundation stone for the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) in Karnataka was laid by Tipu Sultan.
Addressing media persons in Mysuru on August 7, BJP Mysuru district president and former MLA L. Nagendra and senior party functionary M.A. Mohan accused Congress of spreading misinformation, distorting history, and attempting to divert public attention from its failures in governance.
Responding to the claims by Congress spokesperson M. Lakshman that about 1.45 lakh votes that ideally should have gone to the Congress, was 'diverted' to the BJP, Mr. Nagendra said such statements are without basis, and are misleading.
'Mr. Lakshman should realise that he got far more votes in this parliamentary election than in any previous contest where he was repeatedly defeated. If votes were truly stolen, how did he manage to lead in the N.R. Assembly constituency? Why no complaints there?''
The BJP accused the Congress of playing a fraud on voters by trying to bribe them, and yet was defeated.
Mr. Nagendra said the Lok Sabha elections were free and fair, and people voted for BJP candidate Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar given his calibre and the contribution of the Wadiyars of Mysuru to Karnataka. 'People have made their choice. Creating confusion now is irresponsible,' he added.
On Mr. Lakshman's allegation of 'missing votes', Mr. Mohan said, 'Even Congress workers don't see him as a deserving candidate. Let him introspect instead of blaming EVMs or the BJP, and also answer how the Congress won 136 seats in the 2023 Assembly elections,' said Mr. Mohan.
The BJP described the allegations as a diversionary tactic adopted by the Congress to mislead people and draw their attention away from administrative collapse in Karnataka. The Congress has raised the prices of essential commodities while local body elections have not been conducted, as the ruling party is 'reluctant' to face voters, said Mr. Nagendra and Mr. Mohan.
What about contribution of Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara kings?
Ridiculing the Congress narrative that Tipu Sultan laid the foundation for the KRS dam, Mr. Mohan said the Srirangapatna fort existed before Tipu and Hyder Ali. 'If left unchallenged, the Congress will credit construction of Vani Vilas Sagar dam in Chitradurga — which was built by the Wadiyars — to Tipu Sultan,' he added.
Mr. Mohan questioned the 'selective glorification' of Tipu Sultan by Congress. 'Other dynasties too have made tremendous contribution to Karnataka culture, including the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara kings. But the Congress only talks of Tipu Sultan,' he said while accusing the ruling party of distorting history for vote bank politics.