Political activity has intensified in Odisha ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in India, with several legislators of the Indian National Congress being moved to Bengaluru amid fears of cross-voting.

According to party sources, around eight Congress MLAs from Odisha were flown from Bhubaneswar to Bengaluru late Thursday night. They have been accommodated at a resort located about 35 kilometres outside the city. More legislators along with Odisha Congress president Bhakta Charan Das are expected to join them.

Precautionary Move Ahead of Voting

The move comes just days before the Rajya Sabha election scheduled for March 16. Party insiders said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure after the Bharatiya Janata Party fielded a second candidate for the seat, which has heightened political competition and manoeuvring in the state.

Sources indicated that the Congress leadership feared attempts to influence MLAs or induce cross-voting. To prevent such possibilities, the legislators were temporarily moved outside the state until the day of voting.

The MLAs are expected to remain at the resort until Monday morning before returning to Bhubaneswar to participate in the voting process in the Odisha Assembly.

Karnataka Deputy CM Denies Political Motive

Responding to the development, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said there was no hidden agenda behind the visit.

He told reporters that he had not personally brought the MLAs to Bengaluru but would follow any direction given by the party leadership. He added that such arrangements are common in many states during crucial elections to ensure unity among legislators.

Mixed Reactions Within Congress

Meanwhile, the issue has sparked differing reactions among Congress leaders in Odisha. Congress Legislature Party leader Ram Chandra Kadam alleged that the ruling party was trying to influence legislators with inducements, and the step was taken to keep the party united.

However, Congress MLA Sofia Firdous questioned the necessity of moving MLAs outside the state, saying she had not been informed about the plan.

Another senior MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati downplayed the controversy, stating that the legislators had gone on a short trip and would return in time for the vote.

Political Tension Rises Before Poll

The political atmosphere in Odisha remains tense as the Rajya Sabha election approaches. Both the Biju Janata Dal led by Naveen Patnaik and the Congress leadership are closely monitoring developments to ensure their candidates secure the required support in the Assembly.

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