BENGALURU: In an ironic political twist, the Karnataka High Court on February 16 set aside the election of Bagepalli Congress MLA S.N. Subba Reddy, at a time when the Congress leadership has been aggressively accusing the BJP of “vote chori” (vote theft) and electoral manipulation at the national level.
The High Court bench led by Justice M.G.S. Kamal delivered the verdict while hearing an election petition filed by defeated BJP candidate C. Muniraj, who had challenged Subba Reddy’s 2023 Assembly victory from Bagepalli. The court declared the election invalid on grounds related to non-disclosure of material information in the nomination affidavit. Copies of the order have been directed to be sent to the Election Commission and the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
The timing of the judgment has triggered sharp political reactions, particularly because senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have repeatedly alleged electoral malpractice and “vote chori” in BJP-ruled states and during parliamentary elections. The High Court’s decision has now handed the BJP an opportunity to counterattack, accusing the Congress of double standards.
According to the petition, Subba Reddy had failed to fully disclose his assets and liabilities in his 2023 election affidavit. Muniraj alleged that despite having multiple GST registrations, only one was shown in the documents submitted to the Election Commission. He further claimed that GST dues and property taxes for residential houses, commercial buildings, and bars had remained unpaid for several years.
Speaking to reporters after the verdict, Muniraj termed it a victory for transparency. “He misled the government and the Election Commission by submitting incorrect information. Justice has been delivered. This verdict strengthens people’s faith in the judiciary,” he said. He added that after the petition was filed, certain tax dues were cleared, which, according to him, indicated prior suppression.
The petitioner also alleged that properties in the names of Subba Reddy’s wife and daughter were not disclosed and that certain financial transactions were omitted. He had sought not only the disqualification of Subba Reddy but also a declaration naming himself as the duly elected candidate, having secured the second-highest votes. However, the High Court declined to grant that relief, leaving open the possibility of a by-election if the order stands.
Senior advocate Nalini Mayagowda, who represented Muniraj, said the crux of the case was non-disclosure of property details and failure to properly file GST returns. “After prolonged arguments over two-and-a-half years, the court has disqualified him. At present, he is no longer an MLA. If he approaches the Supreme Court of India and secures a stay, the High Court order may be paused,” she said.
The BJP wasted no time in sharpening its attack. Senior leader R Ashoka took to social media to question the Congress’ moral authority to speak about electoral integrity. In a pointed remark, he asked whether Congress leaders who frequently raise slogans about “vote chori” would now respond to a court verdict that invalidated their own MLA’s election.
