Odisha Congress MLAs Shifted to Bengaluru Resort Amid Cross‑Voting Fears

In a dramatic political move ahead of the March 16 Rajya Sabha elections, the Odisha Congress has relocated at least eight of its 14 MLAs to a luxury resort near Bengaluru.

The decision comes amid growing concerns of cross‑voting and alleged poaching attempts by the BJP.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar met the MLAs along with Odisha Congress chief Bhakta Charan Das.

While Shivakumar denied inviting them, he acknowledged the mounting pressure from the BJP’s “Operation Kamala.”

The resort strategy is aimed at safeguarding votes for the opposition‑backed candidate in a tightly contested Rajya Sabha battle.

Around 20 rooms were booked to accommodate MLAs, their families, and staff.

Despite a party whip directing MLAs to remain in Bhubaneswar, several chose to move to Bengaluru, sparking speculation about internal divisions and defensive measures against defections.

Some party voices have criticised the move, calling it unnecessary.

The electoral contest pits BJP‑backed independent Dilip Ray against the BJD‑Congress‑Left alliance’s nominee.

With no clear majority, every vote is crucial, intensifying fears of horse‑trading.

As polling day approaches, Odisha’s political climate is heating up, with Congress striving to maintain discipline under high stakes.