Odisha Congress MLAs Relocated to Bengaluru Amid Election Concerns

The Congress party has relocated a group of its Odisha legislators to Bengaluru ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections to prevent cross-voting. This precautionary move responds to political maneuvering and potential inducements following the BJP fielding a second candidate for the election. The MLAs will stay at a resort near Bengaluru.

The Congress party has taken the decisive step of moving several Odisha legislators to Bengaluru ahead of the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections, scheduled for March 16. This development comes amid growing concerns over potential cross-voting within the party ranks.

According to party insiders, at least eight MLAs were flown to Bengaluru from Bhubaneswar late Thursday night and are currently housed at a resort on the city's outskirts. The move follows the BJP's decision to field a second candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat from Odisha, a move that has intensified political dynamics in the state.

Led by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, senior Congress leaders in the state have coordinated the arrangements for the MLAs' stay. The legislators will remain in the location until Monday, ensuring unity ahead of the critical vote.

(With inputs from agencies.)