Belur MLA H. K. Suresh took oath at Dharmasthala, denying cross-voting allegations and asserting loyalty to BJP amid ongoing political controversy.
Belthangady
Amid controversy over alleged cross-voting in the recent Legislative Council elections, Belur MLA H. K. Suresh visited the Dharmasthala shrine and took an oath claiming that he had not committed any wrongdoing.
The political row erupted within the BJP camp following allegations of cross-voting, with several leaders denying involvement. In this backdrop, the MLA visited the sacred site, offered prayers at Lord Manjunatha Swamy temple, and asserted his innocence in front of the deity.
Before entering the temple, Suresh also performed special prayers at Annappa Betta, where he broke a coconut and prayed for clarity and justice, stating that false propaganda against him should end. At the temple, he prayed for goodwill for those who allegedly spread misinformation about him and also placed an offering in the temple hundi.
Speaking to the media, the MLA strongly denied allegations of betrayal, stating that he remains a loyal and honest worker of the BJP. He claimed he voted as per instructions of the party leadership in the Legislative Council elections and reiterated that he had not indulged in cross-voting. He further said that Lord Manjunatha Swamy and his constituents are witnesses to his integrity.
The MLA’s visit was marked by a large gathering of supporters, with more than 250 people accompanying him in over 100 vehicles, many of them carrying BJP flags and wearing saffron scarves. The group also performed ritual bathing at the sacred Netravathi river before proceeding for darshan at the temple.
The issue of cross-voting has created tensions within the state BJP unit, with senior leaders making contrasting statements. Earlier, BJP state president B. Y. Vijayendra had suggested that those responsible for cross-voting should be identified at the Dharmasthala shrine itself, a remark that sparked debate within political circles. However, the party leadership later advised against such oath-taking practices, and the matter was eventually dropped.
