Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday alleged that attempts were made to influence the Rajya Sabha elections by offering bribes to Congress MLAs from Odisha. He claimed that each lawmaker was offered ₹5 crore, which he described as part of BJP’s “Operation Lotus,” aimed at securing cross-voting in favor of its candidates. Shivakumar said that the alleged attempts are part of a larger strategy by BJP and its allies to manipulate the electoral outcome.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Sadashivanagar and at AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, Shivakumar stated that four individuals approached Congress MLAs staying at a resort near Bidadi, pressuring them to cross-vote using large amounts of cash. The Deputy Chief Minister added that two suspects have already been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals involved in the case.
Shivakumar emphasized that the targeted MLAs did not yield to the inducements and promptly informed party leadership about the incident. He confirmed that cheques and other material evidence have been seized and warned that strict legal action would be taken against those involved. He termed this as a direct example of BJP’s alleged attempts to destabilize opposition governments or manipulate Rajya Sabha election results.
The Deputy Chief Minister reassured that there is no internal confusion within the Congress party and that all leaders remain fully committed to following party directives. He also stated that the party’s organizational structure is strong and united, and all decisions regarding the elections are being strictly adhered to by its members.
Meanwhile, Odisha Congress MLAs are scheduled to travel to Bhubaneswar on Sunday night and will not participate in Monday’s Rajya Sabha voting. Concerns have been raised that BJP’s additional candidate in the fray may have triggered these attempts at horse-trading, highlighting tensions and strategic maneuvers in the lead-up to the elections.