Politics – Odisha Congress MLAs Reach Bengaluru Ahead of Rajya Sabha Polls
Politics – Several Congress legislators from Odisha travelled to Bengaluru on Friday ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, drawing attention within political circles. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that he did not invite the MLAs to the city but said he would meet them later after completing official duties.
Eight Congress MLAs from Odisha, including party chief whip CS Raazen Ekka, have arrived in Bengaluru and are currently staying at a private resort in the city. Their presence outside the state comes just days before voting for the Rajya Sabha elections, scheduled for March 16.
Shivakumar Denies Inviting Legislators
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar dismissed speculation that he had called the Odisha legislators to Bengaluru. He stated that the MLAs decided to visit the city on their own and that he was informed about their travel plans by the party leadership in Odisha.
According to Shivakumar, the state Congress president from Odisha had contacted him earlier and mentioned that some MLAs intended to visit Bengaluru. He said he suggested that they could come if they wished and arrangements were made for their stay after they requested a comfortable location.
The Deputy Chief Minister also indicated that he would meet the legislators later in the day once the ongoing assembly session concludes. He maintained that he had not yet interacted with them since their arrival.
Resort Stay Arranged for MLAs and Staff
Party leader Battappa confirmed that accommodation has been arranged for the visiting legislators at a private resort. Around 20 rooms were reportedly reserved to accommodate the MLAs, their personal assistants and family members.
He said eight legislators have reached the resort so far, including the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee leadership. According to Battappa, the arrangements were made following directions from the party leadership.
He also noted that additional MLAs may arrive later, which is why a larger number of rooms had been booked in advance.
Debate Over Cross Voting and Political Strategy
The travel of the MLAs comes at a sensitive time as political parties prepare for the Rajya Sabha elections. Reports circulating in political circles had suggested that the move might be linked to concerns over possible cross voting or political manoeuvring.
Shivakumar, however, dismissed such speculation and said similar political situations have occurred in the past across different states. He described the practice of keeping legislators together at resorts during crucial votes as a familiar strategy in Indian politics.
He also rejected claims related to alleged political operations aimed at influencing legislators. According to him, the MLAs themselves believed Bengaluru would be a safe place to stay and observe developments.
Communication Gap Raises Questions
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Sofia Firdous said she learned about the travel of some party legislators through media reports. She said she currently has no direct information about their plans.
Firdous also pointed out that a party whip had been issued earlier directing all Congress MLAs to remain in Bhubaneswar ahead of the voting scheduled for March 16. She added that attempts to contact the MLAs who travelled to Karnataka have not been successful so far.
Party Leaders Reject Horse Trading Claims
Another Congress legislator, Taraprasad Bahinipati, dismissed suggestions that the MLAs’ visit to Bengaluru was connected to political bargaining or attempts to influence votes.
He said the MLAs had travelled voluntarily and would return to Odisha soon. According to him, the party remains united in its support for the candidate chosen for the Rajya Sabha election.
Bahinipati reiterated that Congress legislators would vote in favour of Datteshwar Hota, the joint candidate supported by the Congress, the Biju Janata Dal and the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Rajya Sabha Polls Scheduled for March 16
Four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha are set to become vacant in April, prompting the upcoming election. Voting for the seats will take place on March 16, and the counting of votes is scheduled to be held the same day.
Political parties in the state are closely monitoring developments as they prepare for the vote. The travel of the Congress MLAs has therefore attracted attention, although party leaders continue to insist that the situation remains under control.