Huge blow for Congress; MLA's victory invalidated, High Court orders recount of votes

BENGALURU: In a blow to the Congress, the Karnataka High Court has annulled the election result of the Malur Assembly Constituency. The court invalidated Congress candidate K.Y. Nanjegowda's victory and ordered a recount of votes. The Election Commission has been directed to announce the new result within 30 days.

Justice R. Devdas issued the order while considering a petition filed by BJP candidate K. S. Manjunath Gowda. Gowda had approached the High Court alleging irregularities and lapses during vote counting.

The court also directed former Kolar District Election Officer Venkataraju to confirm whether the hard disk containing video footage of the counting process, reportedly held by IKEA Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd., has been secured. A certificate regarding this must also be submitted to the court. Meanwhile, Nanjegowda's lawyer sought time to file an appeal in the Supreme Court.