Sringeri postal ballot recount tilts in BJP’s favour, Pralhad Joshi demands immediate result declaration
New Delhi : The outcome of the postal ballot recount in the Sringeri Assembly constituency appears to have swung in favour of BJP candidate D.N. Jeevaraj, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi warning of consequences if the result is not declared without delay.
Addressing the issue, Joshi asserted that the recount has clearly indicated Jeevaraj’s victory and urged the election authorities to immediately announce the official result. He cautioned that any further delay could lead to complications, for which the election officer would be held accountable.
Jeevaraj, who has allegedly been deprived of his rightful position as MLA for nearly three years due to discrepancies in postal ballot counting, should not face further injustice, Joshi said. He insisted that the District Election Officer must act independently, without yielding to any external pressure, and comply strictly with the High Court’s directive regarding the recount outcome.
According to court orders, if discrepancies are found in the postal ballots during recounting, it is the responsibility of the election officer to declare the revised result. Joshi reiterated that adherence to the High Court’s ruling is mandatory and non-negotiable.
Meanwhile, the development has come as a major setback for incumbent Congress MLA T.D. Rajegowda. Initial expectations within the Congress camp of widening the margin during the recount appear to have been reversed.
Sources indicate that out of the 569 postal ballots initially secured by Rajegowda, as many as 255 have been deemed invalid, reducing his tally to 314 votes. In contrast, Jeevaraj—who had earlier lost by 201 votes—now reportedly holds a lead of 52 votes following the recount. Only the formal declaration remains pending.
Amid the delay in announcing the results post-recount, a legal notice has been issued to the election officer demanding immediate declaration. The notice was served by advocate Dr. Vandana P.L. on behalf of Jeevaraj, intensifying the legal and political pressure surrounding the outcome.
The situation continues to evolve, with political tensions rising in Karnataka as all eyes remain on the final official announcement.
