Bengaluru: In a major political setback, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday declared the election of Congress MLA K.Y. Nanjegowda from Malur constituency invalid, ordering a fresh recount of votes within four weeks.
The verdict came after defeated BJP candidate K.S. Manjunath Gowda filed an election petition alleging irregularities in the 2023 Assembly poll, where Nanjegowda had won by a narrow margin of just 248 votes. Justice R. Devdas, delivering the order, said the District Election Officer failed to submit crucial video evidence of the counting process, and also directed action against officials for lapses.
Following the High Court order, Nanjegowda’s MLA post stands nullified until the recount is completed. If he regains his lead in the recount, he can continue as legislator; otherwise, the seat will pass to his rival.
In a dramatic turn, however, Nanjegowda’s legal team immediately sought relief, arguing that he intends to appeal in the Supreme Court. The High Court has granted 30 days’ interim relief, effectively staying its own order to allow time for an appeal.
This means Nanjegowda continues as Malur MLA for now, but his political future hangs in the balance pending the Supreme Court’s decision. The case has triggered intense political debate, with Congress facing embarrassment and BJP claiming vindication.
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