Thread by @SurabhiHodigere

What really happened in Jayanagar and how the BJP won by 16 votes - a thread.

Keen to know what transpired in Jayanagar late last night? I was!
Read on to see what was uncovered after multiple chats with people on the ground.

#jayanagar #KarnatakaElection2023

The contest was between BJP candidate @CKRBJP Ramamurthy (ex-corporator) and INC candidate @Sowmyareddyr (incumbent MLA and daughter of congress leader Ramlinga Reddy).

As the counting of votes progressed, it was apparent that the margin of victory in #Jayanagar would be small.

Sowmya Reddy’s lead of a mere 160 votes was prematurely celebrated as a victory by Congress party. BUT there was no certificate of victory issues by the EC authorities.

What happened internally was very different - a rule in the ECI handbook for counting came into force.

What is that rule? And how did it change the entire situation in Jayanagar?

This rule clearly states that if the possible victory margin is less than the total number of postal ballots, then there should be a mandatory re-verification of ALL postal ballots.

#Jayanagar

Refer to the Handbook of Returning Officer by ECI. Further, even if the no contestant requests for a recount, the RO is mandated to conduct it. Recount gave BJP lead.

ONLY & ONLY one recount is possible - this is where all the news reports have been both ill informed and biased.

It was widely reported that three or four rounds of recounting happened on the behest of BJP leaders. This is far from the truth and NOT possible.

Three types of recounting was done because Ramlinga Reddy and party had descended on the counting booth as early as 5.30pm.

1) Total numerical tally
2) Vvpat - tally matching
3) Re-verification of postal votes

Unlike what was said on repeat by DKS, eyewitnesses recount that @Tejasvi_Surya and @RAshokaBJP came much later and objected that congress party had barged in, put the officers under duress

Congress leaders being present and barging in early is on cctv I am told.

No news on #Jayanagar is covering this. More shocking updates that emerged has I spoke to people was few votes were deemed invalid on frivolous grounds on the insistence of RR.

#jayanagar

Share widely, this is what happened in Jayanagar and what is just not fairly reported in the media. #Jayanagar #bengaluru

Congress leaders from other areas ended up in #Jayanagar, threatened officials and caused havoc in an place that is always grounded and well-reasoned.

The entire recounting process was done in the presence of candidates @Sowmyareddyr and @CKRBJP to the full satisfaction of all present.

It was noted that EC officials withstood and worked honestly in presence of intimidation by @DKSureshINC @DKShivakumar @RLR_BTM

#Jayanagara

Shoutout to the Jayanagara residents and BJP Karyakartas who stood tall amidst the huge presence of congress workers from else where.

Free and fair elections was seen through in Namma #Jayanagar and a win for democracy was ensured.