Hubballi (Karnataka), June 20 (IANS) Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Saturday said the BJP high command has taken the issue of cross-voting by party legislators in the recent Karnataka Legislative Council elections very seriously and is likely to initiate stringent action against those responsible.

Addressing a press conference in Hubballi, Joshi described the cross-voting by BJP legislators as unfortunate and warned that those involved would regret their actions in the future.

“It appears that one or two legislators may have succumbed to monetary inducements. The party high command has viewed the matter seriously and has already constituted a committee to examine the issue. Everything is being closely monitored,” he said.

Joshi emphasised that MLAs are elected on the party’s ticket and have a responsibility to support the party’s candidates.

“Voting for the party’s candidate is their right and duty. However, betraying the party for money or other temptations is unacceptable. Those responsible will learn an appropriate lesson in the days ahead,” he added.

The Union Minister also said that Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka would soon visit New Delhi to discuss the issue with the party leadership.

Responding to speculation about a possible change in the BJP’s Karnataka unit leadership, Joshi said he had no information regarding any such move.

“The high command will take a decision at the appropriate time,” he said.

When asked whether his own name was being considered for the post of state BJP president, Joshi ruled out the possibility.

“I had earlier served as state BJP president on the instructions of the then party leadership under Rajnath Singh. At present, I am serving as a Union Minister. I am not in the race for the position,” he clarified.

Commenting on political developments in other states, Joshi said legislators and Members of Parliament were joining the BJP because they saw no future in parties dominated by family politics.

–IANS

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