Political Maneuvering in Odisha: Congress MLAs Shifted to Karnataka

Congress has moved eight of its MLAs to Karnataka to avoid BJP's horse-trading attempts ahead of the March 16 Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha. Meanwhile, BJD is holding ''priority'' meetings with its MLAs. The Congress' decision to back BJD's Hota signals a significant political move against BJP.

In a strategic move, the Congress party in Odisha has transferred eight of its MLAs to Karnataka. This decision comes amid fears of cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and potential horse-trading by the BJP.

Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has mandated its legislators to attend evening meetings with party chief Naveen Patnaik. These gatherings aim to unify the party's stance against BJP's electoral strategy.

The political dynamics have shifted as Congress backs BJD's candidate Datteswar Hota, marking a notable alliance to counter BJP's power grab. With seats fiercely contested, this cooperation could play a crucial role in the election outcome.

(With inputs from agencies.)