After losing in the Legislative Council polls due to cross-voting, the Janata Dal (Secular) plans to discuss the matter with BJP central leaders.
The Janata Dal (Secular) suffered a defeat in the Legislative Council polls after at least four of its legislators cross-voted in favour of Congress. A total of 11 cross votes from the NDA went to Congress, with four from JD(S), four allocated from BJP, and three remaining unclear.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has already spoken to BJP central leaders and will submit a detailed report on the cross-voting and coordination issues. The parties had no preparatory meeting before the elections, and BJP reduced its promised vote transfer to JD(S) from six to four amid fears of cross-voting.
JD(S) trained its legislators at a resort near Devanahalli, while BJP held sessions in a Bengaluru hotel. Seventeen of the 18 JD(S) legislators attended the training and a subsequent meeting with Kumaraswamy. He emphasised mutual trust and said those wishing to leave the party were free to do so.
Legislative Party leader C.B. Suresh Babu said the party sought disciplinary action against the cross-voters but left the decision to Kumaraswamy. The party maintains the NDA alliance remains solid despite the outcome.
