Amid concerns of potential horse-trading before the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, the Opposition Congress party in Odisha has moved nine out of its 14 MLAs to Bengaluru, Karnataka. During the recent House proceedings, only five Congress MLAs, including key figures like CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam and senior MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, were present. Six Congress MLAs reportedly arrived in Bengaluru late on Thursday night.
The relocation of MLAs to Bengaluru is seen as a precautionary measure by the Congress party to prevent any possible poaching of legislators ahead of the crucial Rajya Sabha elections. Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Ramachandra Kadam confirmed the shifting of nine MLAs to Bengaluru along with Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President, Bhakta Charan Das. Kadam accused the BJP of engaging in horse-trading and influencing legislators for political gains.
Kadam emphasized that the move was aimed at safeguarding the party’s MLAs from external pressures and inducements before the Rajya Sabha polls. He assured that the MLAs, currently in Bengaluru, are safe and united under the leadership of PCC President Bhakta Charan Das. The Congress leader reiterated that the legislators would return to Odisha before the Rajya Sabha election voting takes place.
Senior Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati highlighted the party’s decision to relocate some legislators to Bengaluru due to fears of potential horse-trading activities. Bahinipati dismissed any speculation of Congress MLAs being influenced or bought, asserting that they stand firmly united with the party.
