Bhubaneswar: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met a group of Odisha Congress MLAs in Bengaluru on Friday, emphasizing party unity ahead of the crucial biennial Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha scheduled for March 16.
In a post on X, Shivakumar shared, “Glad to meet our Congress MLAs from Odisha in Bengaluru along with Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das and interact with them. Their unity and determination show that no attempt can weaken the resolve of Congress leaders to stand together and protect democratic values.
“The MLAs, reportedly numbering around eight initially (with more expected), arrived from Bhubaneswar late Thursday night via an IndiGo flight and are staying at a private resort in Bidadi, Ramanagara district, under tight security. The move is widely seen as a precautionary “resort politics” strategy by the Congress to prevent possible cross-voting or horse-trading attempts amid apprehensions of external influences, particularly from the BJP.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar clarified he had not personally invited the MLAs. “I do not know the exact reason why they have come. The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president of that state called me and informed me that their MLAs would be coming. It may be related to party matters, so I told them that I would meet them. They have expressed interest in visiting Mysuru. When they said they were coming, I told them they were welcome. They asked for a comfortable place to stay, so we made arrangements for them.
“He further stated he would meet them after the Assembly session and affirmed he would “do whatever the party asks” to ensure discipline. Congress sources confirmed Shivakumar oversaw logistical arrangements, including airport reception by his aides and police-escorted transfer to the resort.
