Odisha Congress MLAs Relocated to Bengaluru Amid Cross-Voting Fears
Synopsis
In a strategic move to prevent cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections, Congress has relocated its MLAs to Bengaluru, sparking discussions on resort politics. This relocation aims to maintain party unity against alleged BJP tactics.
Key Takeaways
Congress has moved its MLAs to Bengaluru to prevent cross-voting.
The strategy highlights the concept of 'resort politics'.
Current seat distribution in Odisha favors the BJP.
Key candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections have been announced.
Concerns over BJP's political tactics are prevalent.
Bengaluru, March 13 (NationPress) In response to rising concerns about potential cross-voting in Odisha's forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections, the Congress party has relocated its MLAs to Bengaluru, a strategy commonly referred to as “resort politics” to maintain solidarity among its legislators.
On Friday, Congress officials confirmed that the MLAs were transported to Bengaluru under the guidance of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar. The delegation arrived from Bhubaneswar on Thursday night via an IndiGo flight.
Upon landing at Kempegowda International Airport around 11 p.m., they were greeted by Shivakumar's close aides. The MLAs were then escorted under police protection directly to a resort in Bidadi, located in the Ramanagara district.
They are staying at the Wonderla Resort, which has made special arrangements for their accommodation.
Reportedly, the group consists of MLAs Mangu Khila, Appala Swamy, Rajan Ekka, and Ashok Kumar. Additionally, the Odisha Congress chief and former MP Bhakta Charan Das along with spokesperson Durga Prasad Panda are part of this contingent. In total, approximately 14 Congress leaders from Odisha have made their way to Bengaluru.
According to insiders, the decision to transport the MLAs out of Odisha stems from apprehensions regarding possible cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections. This strategy is also intended to counter what the party claims are the BJP’s tactics of 'Operation Lotus'.
In the 147-member Odisha Legislative Assembly, the BJP currently commands the support of 79 MLAs, while the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) holds 50 seats and Congress has 14 MLAs.
The BJD has nominated Santanu Mishra as its official candidate and has also put forward Datteshwar Hota as a general candidate for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat, with Congress pledging its support for his candidacy.
Conversely, the BJP has fielded two candidates and also supports Independent candidate Dilip Ray.
According to Congress sources, the race for the fourth seat may hinge on cross-voting dynamics. Datteshwar Hota’s success will rely significantly on the backing from Congress MLAs, while Independent candidate Dilip Ray would need support from at least eight MLAs from opposing parties to secure a win.
It’s important to note that Deputy CM Shivakumar had previously relocated MLAs from Maharashtra and Gujarat to a resort near Bengaluru due to similar fears of cross-voting.
Point of View
Particularly as the Congress party seeks to consolidate its support ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. The relocation of MLAs underscores the competitive nature of contemporary politics, where strategies to safeguard party interests are paramount.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Congress MLAs moved to Bengaluru?
The Congress party moved its MLAs to Bengaluru to prevent potential cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
What is 'resort politics'?
'Resort politics' refers to the practice of relocating politicians to secure their loyalty and prevent dissent, particularly during critical electoral periods.
What are the current seat distributions in the Odisha Legislative Assembly?
In the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the BJP has 79 seats, the BJD holds 50, and Congress has 14 MLAs.
Who are the key candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections?
The BJD has nominated Santanu Mishra and Datteshwar Hota, while the BJP is backing two candidates and Independent Dilip Ray.
What concerns prompted the relocation of MLAs?
Concerns over possible cross-voting and alleged BJP tactics, termed 'Operation Lotus', led to the decision to relocate the MLAs.
