Bengaluru: Reeling from reports of cross-voting during the Karnataka Legislative Council elections, the BJP has constituted a three-member fact-finding committee to identify those responsible and investigate what party leaders have described as an act of betrayal.

The committee comprises MLC CT Ravi, BJP State Vice-President N. Mahesh, and Hubballi-Dharwad Central MLA Mahesh Tenginkai. It has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged cross-voting and submitting its report by June 25.

Addressing reporters on Friday, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra claimed that, according to party information, there were six to seven cross-votes from the JD(S) and four to five from within the BJP ranks.

“Ours is a national party, and there is no question of pardoning those who have cross-voted. We have some information about who may have been involved,” Vijayendra said.

He added that he has sought an appointment with BJP National President Nitin Nabin to discuss the developments and the implications of the cross-voting. “I will meet him either today or on Monday, depending on when he gives time,” he said.

Declaring that the party would deal firmly with those responsible, Vijayendra said, “The BJP will seriously consider the issue of the ‘Mir Sadiqs’ and take appropriate action against them.”

The reference is to Mir Sadiq, a minister in the court of Tipu Sultan who is widely remembered for allegedly betraying the Mysore ruler during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, which culminated in Tipu Sultan’s death in 1799.

Vijayendra also accused the Congress of attempting to fuel internal divisions within the BJP by publicly naming legislators suspected of cross-voting. He maintained that such efforts would not weaken the party.

Meanwhile, some of the MLAs whose names have surfaced in speculation have denied allegations that they voted against the party line.