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Nanjegowda’s Victory Invalidated! What Are the Key Reasons Cited by the High Court?

By Pavitra Ganapathi Baradavalli
Nanjegowda’s Victory Invalidated! What Are the Key Reasons Cited by the High Court?

The Karnataka High Court has invalidated the election of K.Y. Nanjegowda, who won the 2023 Maluru Assembly by-election by a margin of 248 votes, due to irregularities in vote counting. Allegations of "vote theft" have sparked political unrest.

Amid accusations of vote theft by the Karnataka Congress, which prompted a nationwide campaign, the Karnataka High Court has invalidated the election of Maluru MLA K.Y. Nanjegowda due to irregularities in vote counting. BJP leaders are leveraging this development as a potent weapon against Congress, alleging "vote theft." The High Court has ordered a recount of votes from the 2023 Maluru Assembly election within four weeks and has nullified Nanjegowda’s current MLA status.read also: A Heart-Wrenching Tale: Artificial Limb Fitted for Vasikaran, a Bear Victimized by Human Cruelty


At the request of Nanjegowda’s counsel, the High Court granted a 30-day stay on its order, allowing him to appeal to the Supreme Court. BJP candidate Manjunath Gowda expressed satisfaction with the verdict, while Nanjegowda was left in shock.According to Nanjegowda, he was prepared for a recount, but the court’s decision to invalidate his election was disappointing. “We will file an appeal,” he told. The High Court also directed action against the District Election Officer for failing to submit video recordings of the vote counting process.

What Happened on the Vote Counting Day in Maluru?The vote counting for the 2023 Assembly election took place at the Government Boys’ College in Kolar.read also: Devastating Floods and Landslides Wreak Havoc in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand..!

Among the six constituencies in Kolar district, Maluru drew attention due to a triangular contest. Congress’s K.Y. Nanjegowda, BJP’s Manjunath Gowda, and independent candidate Hoodi Vijay Kumar were locked in a fierce competition.Initially, the contest was between Nanjegowda and Manjunath Gowda, but Hoodi Vijay Kumar later took the lead, creating an impression that his victory was almost certain. Some Congress state leaders even attempted to contact the independent candidate.With three rounds of counting remaining, Hoodi Vijay Kumar fell behind, and the competition intensified again between Manjunath Gowda and Nanjegowda. With one round left, Manjunath Gowda’s supporters began preparing for a victory celebration, having been informed over the phone that his win was certain.read also: Cyber Criminals Hack Former CM’s Bank Account, Steal ₹3 Lakh…!!

However, by the time they reached the counting center, the situation had changed. The final round of counting revealed that Nanjegowda had won by a margin of 248 votes, prompting outrage from Manjunath Gowda and his supporters. Allegations of Irregularities in Vote Counting:Manjunath Gowda’s supporters suspected irregularities in the vote counting process, leading to heated arguments between the two groups. Although Manjunath Gowda requested a recount, election officials denied it.Officials stated that five booths would be checked via lottery, and a recount would be allowed if discrepancies were found.read also: Karnataka Food Minister KH Muniyappa Announces Robust BPL Card Cancellation Drive..!


However, no discrepancies were detected in those booths, and thus, no recount was permitted. The then-District Election Officer, Venkataraju, announced Congress candidate Nanjegowda’s victory.Subsequently, BJP candidate Manjunath Gowda approached the High Court, seeking a recount. According to the Maluru results, K.Y. Nanjegowda (Congress) secured 50,955 votes, Manjunath Gowda (BJP) 50,707 votes, Hoodi Vijay Kumar (Independent) 49,362 votes, and G.E. Ramegowda (JDS) 17,627 votes, with a victory margin of 248 votes.

After two years of arguments, the High Court ordered a recount on Tuesday. The court also directed the then-Kolar District Election Officer, Venkataraju, to provide clarification on whether the hard disk containing video recordings of the vote counting process was obtained from Messrs. IKEA Business Solutions Private Limited or not, and to submit a certificate accordingly.Garden Vareli Women's Linen Saree With Zari Border