Divine validation sought as Sringeri poll battle continues

Chikkamagaluru: The political battle in Sringeri over alleged "Vote Chori" has now taken a religious turn. After BJP's DN Jeevaraj was declared elected by a margin of 55 votes last week after a recount of the postal ballots following a high court order, the issue has taken a serious turn.In 2023, TD Rajegowda of Congress was declared elected with a margin of 201 votes. Congress leaders and BJP polling agents have been visiting religious institutions, swearing before the Gods over allegations linked to the 2023 counting process.While Jeevaraj earlier demanded a recount, questioning the legality of the postal ballot, Congress leaders now accused BJP activists of tampering with votes. The BJP polling agents—BS Satish and Ramaswamy—have reportedly taken an oath before the deity, denying their involvement in any irregularities during the counting period. They also visited Dharmasthala on Saturday, promising before the God that they did not commit any malpractices in the vote-counting process.Satish said: "I prayed to the God to bring out the truth and punish me if I have done anything wrong. Let the truth come out," he prayed. However, Jeevaraj, who won after verification and recount of votes, remained incommunicado.Congress' TD Rajegowda, who lost the election, has accepted the challenge and visited various religious institutions, including temple, masjid and church. On Saturday, Rajegowda, along with his polling agent, also KPCC convener Sudhir Kumar Murolli, and supporters, made a promise before the Veerabhadra Swamy in Koppa. "I did not indulge in any malpractices in the counting and I'm ready to face consequences if I did anything against the law," he swore.Rajegowda said he is confident and will fight legally. "I will not challenge or urge my opponent to prove himself. I have faith in God and I am confident of getting justice," he said, and he demanded a high-level probe to bring out the truth.Murolli, who was present during both the counting and recounting, said: "We have approached HC and EC as per the provisions provided under the Constitution. Now, we are approaching religious institutions". He added that they would go before the people. Tampering of votes is nothing but murder of democracy, he said. According to Murolli, Jeevaraj and his associate from Koppa and govt officials were involved in the conspiracy.Murolli questioned why Jeevaraj brought a stay for the FIR filed against tampering of votes. It clearly shows his involvement in tampering, he argued.Congress leader Asgod Nagesh also claimed that the case of tampering is a black mark on the segment.