Overview
- BJP's D.N. Jeevaraj took the oath as Sringeri MLA after a High Court-ordered reverification and recount gave him a 52-vote lead and an election certificate.
- Returning officer Gaurav Kumar Shetty rechecked 569 postal ballots and ruled 255 previously counted for Congress’s T.D. Rajegowda invalid, while two earlier rejections were accepted, overturning his 201-vote win.
- An FIR alleging tampering was filed against Jeevaraj, but the Karnataka High Court stayed the investigation and told police not to act under political pressure.
- Rajegowda has asked the Election Commission for a forensic audit and full CCTV review of the strong room and the 2023 count, citing broken seals and new markings on bundles later used to reject votes.
- BJP leaders pushed the Governor for a quick oath, and Speaker U.T. Khader said he followed the rules and noted the seat could change if courts issue fresh orders, keeping the dispute active before election authorities.