Amid much debate over cross-voting by some BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs in the recently held Legislative Council elections, BJP MLA from Belur H.K. Suresh visited Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple on Tuesday, June 30, and took a “truth test” to state that he did not indulge in cross-voting.

The MLA who arrived at the temple town with more than 300 of his supporters in over 100 cars also met D. Veerendra Heggade, Pattadhikari of the temple, who is also a Rajya Sabha member.

After having darshan of the deity, the MLA performed a special puja. The MLA and his supporters also made offerings to the ‘hundi.’

The MLA told mediapersons that he prayed for the well-being of those who had spread false propaganda against them. “I am a loyal BJP worker and have not betrayed the party. I did not cross-vote in the Legislative Council elections. I swear in the presence of Manjunatha Swamy that I voted for the person suggested by the party leaders,” he said.

Before visiting the temple, he offered a special prayer at Annappasamy Hill and announced that he “did not cheat”. He said, “May God give good wisdom to those who spread false propaganda,” he said, breaking a coconut.