In a scathing attack, Karnataka BJP on Sunday tore into Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, calling his Shringeri recount comments ‘immature’ and an insult to democratic institutions. The party accused him of eroding trust in the judiciary through reckless rhetoric.
Assembly Opposition Leader Chalavadi T Narayanaswamy minced no words. In his post-recount statement, he described Shivakumar’s outbursts as Congress’s desperation peaking after defeat. ‘They can’t stomach the results, so they peddle lies,’ he charged, urging acceptance of the mandate.
While understanding Shivakumar’s electoral setback, Narayanaswamy insisted it doesn’t justify judicial disparagement. He called on Congress to halt smears against officials and BJP’s DN Jeveraj, hailing Shringeri’s outcome as the true voice of the people safeguarding justice.
Shivakumar’s portrayal of the recount as a ‘criminal act’ drew sharp rebuttal. Narayanaswamy noted the process adhered meticulously to High Court orders. ‘This is a veiled attack on the courts—such obstinacy harms democracy,’ he stated.
Narayanaswamy exposed Congress’s track record of targeting constitutional bodies post-losses. The recount, he said, revealed tampering bids, with results mirroring reality and vindicating BJP.
He rejected misuse-of-officials claims as baseless, stressing court oversight eliminates favoritism. Congress’s legal threats? ‘Just a ploy to hide defeat,’ he quipped. Questioning postal vote counts equals doubting the Election Commission, he added.
Background: Karnataka High Court mandated postal ballot recheck in Shringeri 2023 polls. BJP’s win post-recount triggered Shivakumar’s Sunday blast, labeling it a ‘conspiracy and crime’ marring democracy.
Quoting Kannada poetry, Narayanaswamy concluded that truth prevails, dooming deception. This clash highlights Karnataka’s polarized politics, with BJP positioning itself as defender of electoral integrity.
