Congress Candidate Seeks Forensic Audit of Postal Ballots In Sringeri Recount Row, Alleges Tampering

The controversy surrounding the recounting of postal ballots from the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections in the Sringeri constituency intensified on Thursday after Congress leader T D Rajegowda approached the Election Commission seeking a forensic audit of invalidated postal ballots. Rajegowda, who had originally won the 2023 Assembly election, alleged that ballots cast in his favour were deliberately tampered with to ensure their rejection during the recounting process.

In his petition submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka, Rajegowda demanded a detailed review of CCTV footage from the constituency’s strong room covering the period from May 2023 to May 2026. He also requested examination of all videography and surveillance footage recorded during the original counting process conducted after the 2023 Assembly elections. The Congress leader claimed the evidence could help determine whether any unauthorised handling or manipulation of ballot materials took place after the initial election results were declared.

Rajegowda alleged that serious irregularities emerged during the recounting exercise and described the developments as part of a “high-level criminal conspiracy” aimed at retrospectively altering the election outcome. According to the petition, several postal ballots that were initially counted in his favour were later found invalid during the recount, raising suspicions about possible tampering. He argued that the integrity of the electoral process could be compromised if the discrepancies are not independently investigated.

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The Sringeri recount controversy has triggered significant political attention in Karnataka, with both Congress and opposition parties closely monitoring developments in the case. Postal ballots often become crucial in tightly contested elections, especially when victory margins are narrow. Election-related disputes involving recounts and ballot validity frequently lead to legal and administrative scrutiny, particularly when allegations of manipulation or procedural lapses are raised by contesting candidates.

Rajegowda had publicly celebrated his victory in Chikkamagaluru shortly after the 2023 election results, claiming the mandate clearly favoured him. However, the ongoing dispute over postal ballot recounting has reignited political tensions in the constituency nearly three years later. The Congress leader’s latest petition seeks not only forensic verification of the ballots but also greater transparency in the handling and storage of election materials over the intervening period.

The Election Commission has not yet publicly responded to the allegations or indicated whether a forensic audit will be conducted. Political observers say the matter could become legally sensitive if evidence supporting tampering claims emerges during any future investigation. The case has also renewed broader discussions around the security, storage, and verification processes associated with postal ballots in Indian elections, particularly in closely contested constituencies where recounts can significantly impact final outcomes.

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