The JDS today demanded countermanding of election to fill four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka, alleging that the returning officer in 'collusion' with the ruling Congress in the state allowed two of its members to recast their vote after they 'cross-voted'.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, termed the charge as 'false', saying before casting their votes, the two MLAs realised theyhad made a "mistake" on the ballot paper, so they tookanother one for which "there is a provision in law."
Stating that the returning officer had considered the request for second vote with the a fresh ballot paper, he said "we are protesting ...illegal voting is going on."
Rejecting the charge, Siddaramaiah said: "It appears they (JDS) are desperate...they have tried every thing, they had gone to the court (on seven rebelJDS MLA issue), they failed in the court, and desperately theyare making these allegations."
The chief minister also expressed confidence that all three Congress candidates will win the election, saying "we have enough votes on our side."
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