In a development reflecting the return of what is often referred to as “resort politics,” several Congress legislators from Odisha have been moved out of their home state ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. Around 10 to 12 Congress MLAs were reportedly flown from Bhubaneswar to Bengaluru on Friday and accommodated at a resort located on the outskirts of the Karnataka capital. The move is believed to be a precautionary strategy to prevent possible cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that the relocation of the MLAs was linked to concerns that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) might attempt to influence Congress legislators ahead of the crucial vote. According to Shivakumar, there were apprehensions that the BJP could initiate what is commonly described in Indian politics as “Operation Lotus,” a term used by opposition parties to describe alleged attempts to induce legislators from rival parties to switch sides or vote against their party’s official candidates.
Speaking after meeting the Odisha MLAs in Bengaluru, Shivakumar claimed that there was considerable pressure being exerted on the Congress legislators. He alleged that attempts were being made to persuade them through large inducements so that they would cross-vote in favour of the BJP’s candidate during the Rajya Sabha election. According to him, the BJP was determined to secure the contested seat by any means possible.
The group of MLAs reportedly arrived at the resort in the early hours of the morning, around 1 am, under significant security arrangements. The resort, situated approximately 30 kilometres from Bengaluru city, was reportedly booked in advance, with around 15 rooms reserved under the name of a local Congress leader. Police presence around the location was also increased to ensure the security of the legislators.
Sources familiar with the development told India Today that the entire exercise was coordinated by DK Shivakumar after the BJP decided to field a candidate for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat from Odisha. The decision to move the MLAs outside the state was reportedly taken to keep the Congress legislators together and prevent any possible influence from rival political parties before the voting process.
The MLAs are expected to remain at the resort in Bengaluru until Monday. After that, they are likely to return to Bhubaneswar shortly before the Rajya Sabha voting takes place so that they can cast their ballots.
The Rajya Sabha election from Odisha involves multiple seats, and the contest has become particularly significant due to the competition for the fourth seat. According to current numbers in the state assembly, the BJP is expected to comfortably secure two Rajya Sabha seats. The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is also in a position to win one seat without difficulty.
However, the fourth seat has emerged as the focal point of political attention. For this seat, the Congress and the BJD have jointly supported a candidate named Datteshwar Hota, a well-known urologist. The success of this joint candidate depends heavily on coordinated voting between the two parties.
The Congress currently has 14 MLAs in the Odisha Legislative Assembly. In order to secure victory for their candidate, the party requires additional support from BJD legislators. Estimates suggest that at least 18 votes from BJD MLAs would be necessary to ensure Hota’s victory in the election.
Commenting on the political stakes involved, Shivakumar stated that winning the fourth Rajya Sabha seat would strengthen the opposition bloc known as the INDIA alliance. He accused the BJP of using familiar political tactics to influence the outcome but emphasised that the Congress would also take necessary steps to protect its interests and ensure its candidate’s success.
DK Shivakumar is widely regarded within the Congress party as a key strategist during high-stakes political situations. In the past, he has played a similar role during crucial elections. One notable example occurred in 2017, when he helped relocate Congress MLAs from Gujarat to Karnataka in order to prevent defections during the Rajya Sabha election in which senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel ultimately secured victory.
The current situation in Odisha reflects a similar strategy, with party leaders attempting to ensure that their legislators remain united until the voting process is completed.
