Bengaluru: The BJP has decided against holding a proposed legislators’ meeting in Dharmasthala to discuss the recent cross-voting episode in the Legislative Council elections, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka said on Sunday.
Clarifying the party’s stand, Ashoka said Dharmasthala should not be turned into a venue for political activities and that internal party matters would be addressed through the BJP’s organisational forums.
“We do not want to politicise Dharmasthala. Party-related issues will be discussed within the party platform,” he told reporters.
The BJP leader, however, adopted a tough stance on the cross-voting controversy, warning that strict action would be taken against those found to have voted against the party line in the MLC elections.
“We will identify those who betrayed the party and take appropriate action. Necessary steps will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future,” Ashoka said.
He added that the party leadership was closely examining the circumstances surrounding the cross-voting and would take measures to strengthen organisational discipline.
The issue has triggered considerable discussion within the state BJP, with the leadership seeking to ascertain the extent of dissent and enforce party discipline following the Legislative Council polls.
