In the Latest News from Indian politics, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has made serious allegations about an attempt to influence Congress MLAs from Odisha. According to him, a group of people tried to offer money to some lawmakers who are currently staying at a resort near Bengaluru. This issue has quickly become Breaking News across the country and has been widely discussed in political circles.
The incident reportedly took place at a private resort located on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Several Congress MLAs from Odisha are staying there ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Party leaders said that the legislators were brought to Bengaluru for safety because there were fears that attempts might be made to influence their votes.
What DK Shivakumar Claimed
DK Shivakumar, who is also the president of the Karnataka Congress unit, spoke to the media about the incident. He claimed that four individuals had arrived from Odisha and managed to book a room in the same resort with the help of a local person named Suresh.
According to Shivakumar, these individuals entered the resort premises early in the morning and tried to meet some of the Congress MLAs staying there. During this meeting, one of the lawmakers was allegedly offered Rs 5 crore for each vote in the upcoming Rajya Sabha election.
Shivakumar further said that the people who approached the MLAs had also brought two cheques with them. However, the lawmakers refused to accept the offer. After the situation became suspicious, two of the individuals reportedly ran away while the other two were caught.
Key Points of the Allegation
- Four individuals allegedly came from Odisha and booked a room in the resort.
- They reportedly approached Congress MLAs early in the morning.
- An offer of Rs 5 crore per vote was allegedly made.
- Two suspects escaped, while two others were caught and questioned.
The Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister claimed that the suspects admitted they had come with the intention of influencing the MLAs. A complaint has been filed with the police, and an investigation has started.
Allegations of “Operation Lotus”
During his media interaction, Shivakumar also used the term “Operation Lotus.” In Indian politics, this phrase is often used by opposition parties when they accuse the BJP of trying to attract or influence MLAs from other parties.
Shivakumar alleged that the individuals involved in this case were connected to such an attempt. However, he said that further details about the matter would be shared by senior party leaders later.
He also mentioned that the person who booked the hotel room online is reportedly from the Byatarayanapura area in Bengaluru. According to him, the accused people met the MLAs in the morning and assured them that they would receive a large amount of money if they supported a certain candidate in the Rajya Sabha election.
Despite the alleged pressure and financial offer, the Congress MLAs refused to accept the proposal. The cheques that were reportedly brought by the accused have now been taken by authorities as part of the investigation.
Complaint Filed With Police
The matter has also reached the police. Ashok Kumar Das, the Deputy Leader of the Congress Legislative Party in Odisha, has filed an official complaint with the Bidadi police station in Ramanagar district.
In his complaint, Das said that four people attempted to bribe Congress MLAs from Odisha who are currently staying in Bengaluru. These MLAs had traveled to the city on March 12 and have been staying together since then.
According to Das, there were concerns that attempts might be made to influence the legislators after the ruling BJP government in Odisha decided to field an additional candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16.
Details Mentioned in the Complaint
- Eight Congress MLAs from Odisha arrived in Bengaluru for safety.
- Four individuals allegedly approached them with a money offer.
- The MLAs were asked to cross-vote in the Rajya Sabha election.
- The accused allegedly used threats and abusive language when the offer was rejected.
Das also claimed that when the MLAs refused the offer, the accused allegedly threatened them with serious consequences if they returned to Odisha. He said the lawmakers were also subjected to abusive language during the incident.
The complaint names four individuals: Birendra Prasad, Suresh, Ajit Kumar Sahu, and Simachal Mohakud.
Police Investigation Underway
After receiving the complaint, the Bidadi police began examining the details of the case. Officials have stated that they will follow the law and investigate the matter carefully.
Police are expected to question the individuals involved and check the evidence related to the alleged bribery attempt. This may include examining the seized cheques, checking hotel booking records, and speaking with witnesses who were present at the resort.
Authorities have not yet made any final statement about the allegations, and the investigation is still ongoing. More information is expected to come out in the coming days.
Political Reactions and Election Context
This incident has created a new debate in Indian politics. The Rajya Sabha elections are an important event, and every vote from an MLA can play a major role in deciding the outcome.
Political observers say that such allegations often emerge during elections because parties want to protect their lawmakers from possible influence or pressure.
At the same time, Shivakumar also spoke about the upcoming by-elections in two Assembly constituencies in Karnataka. He said that the Congress party has already received positive reports from both areas and is confident about winning the seats. According to him, the party leadership will soon announce the candidates for these elections.
