Bengaluru, March 13 (NationPress) In response to the Odisha MLAs who are currently residing at a resort near Bengaluru because of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar criticized the BJP on Friday, labeling them as the "masterminds behind Operation Lotus, notorious for engaging in horse-trading."

He emphasized that the Congress party is determined to thwart any such maneuvers.

Shivakumar addressed the media at the Vidhana Soudha and later near a resort in Bidadi. When questioned about the Odisha MLAs' stay at a resort in Ramanagara, he remarked, “Political entities often grapple with the threat of horse-trading, a challenge all parties face in the political landscape. Since they have come here, we are obliged to extend our support. Our MLAs and I have met with them.”

In response to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s claim that Congress lacks faith in its own MLAs, Shivakumar countered, “If that were true, why did they initiate Operation Lotus in Karnataka?”

When inquired if this situation was directed by the party’s higher-ups, he clarified, “There is no such directive. With the Rajya Sabha elections approaching, the fear of Operation Lotus looms. Our MLAs from Odisha are under pressure and are being offered substantial incentives. Approximately 14-15 MLAs are present here. The Odisha PCC president has indicated that all secular parties have banded together, raising concerns about a potential Operation Lotus.”

“When the party president calls, we must respect that. I encouraged them to come here as the environment is conducive. All the MLAs are content, and some newcomers have also arrived. They voluntarily chose to stay here, and we are ensuring their welfare. The BJD, the Communist Party, and we have collectively nominated a candidate in Odisha. The BJP will pursue its agenda, and we will follow ours,” he stated.

When asked whether his role as a “trouble-shooter” had concluded, Shivakumar replied, “Congress MLA Magadi Balakrishna and Congress MP C.P. Yogeshwar are present. They have been given the autonomy to manage affairs with their experience. All the MLAs from our district also share responsibilities. Isn’t it our duty to safeguard everyone? Whether anyone arrives or not is a separate issue. No one can approach them or even communicate with them. There’s no chance for that.”

When reminded of his previous assistance to the party during the Gujarat elections and whether this would bring him closer to his political aspirations, he responded, “I won’t comment on that. Let’s wait and see.”

On the topic of when the MLAs might return, he stated, “We will determine that.”

Additionally, a statement from Deputy CM Shivakumar's office revealed that Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have jointly nominated Dr. Datteshwar Hota, a renowned Urologist and former Director of Odisha Medical University, for the Rajya Sabha seat from Odisha.

A total of 30 votes are required to secure victory, with 32 votes available (BJD - 18, Congress – 14, and CPIM- 1).

Eight first-time Congress MLAs are being targeted, including those currently at the Wonder La resort near Bidadi.

The MLAs residing at the resort are Rajan Ekka, Ashok Das, Appala Kumar Swamy, Mangu Killo, Pavitra Sauntha, Nilamadhav Hikka, Prafulla Pradhan, and Sathyajit Gomongo. The overall strength of the Odisha Assembly stands at 147, with five candidates contesting for four Rajya Sabha positions. The distribution is BJP-3; BJD-1; INC and BJD-1. Candidates need 30 votes to win, as stated.