DK Shivakumar alleges conspiracy in Sringeri recount, vows legal battle
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar alleged serious irregularities in the recounting of votes in the Sringeri Assembly constituency and announced that the government would initiate a probe while also pursuing legal remedies.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar termed the developments following the recount as “dangerous for the country’s democratic fabric.” The recount reportedly led to the BJP candidate being declared the winner of the 2023 Assembly election from the constituency, overturning the earlier outcome.
“This appears like an international-level conspiracy. If we had doubts earlier, we would have approached the Supreme Court. But here, ballot boxes have been reopened after the counting process was completed,” he said.
Raising questions over the procedure, Shivakumar alleged that after all ballot bundles were declared valid and sealed, they were reopened and additional markings were made on ballot papers. “How can such changes happen after the bundles were sealed? This is highly suspicious,” he remarked.
He emphasized that in a democracy, both victory and defeat are part of the process, but what transpired in Sringeri goes beyond normal electoral outcomes. “This is not just a loss or win; this is a conspiracy. It is shocking and unacceptable,” he said.
The Deputy CM also claimed that every vote had been shown to candidates’ representatives during counting and recorded on camera. “After the entire process, the bundles were sealed. Later, they were reopened and altered, allegedly under court directions. This raises serious concerns,” he added.
Shivakumar demanded a high-level investigation into the matter and accused officials of being misused. He said the Returning Officer should have directly submitted the results to the court instead of allowing such discrepancies.
Calling the incident a “black mark on the state,” he alleged misuse of authority and illegal manipulation of ballots. He also drew parallels to past electoral controversies, suggesting a pattern of malpractice.
