Karnataka DCM Claims Odisha MLAs Were Offered Huge Cash to Cross Vote in Rajya Sabha Elections; Police Seize Cheque, Two Suspects Arrested
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar made a sensational allegation on Sunday, claiming that Odisha Congress MLAs staying in a resort near Bidadi were offered Rs. 5 crore each to cross-vote in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The alleged attempt, he said, was part of what Congress has repeatedly described as “Operation Kamal.”
Addressing reporters at his residence in Sadashivanagar and later outside the residence of Mallikarjun Kharge, Shivakumar stated that four individuals from Odisha approached Congress legislators with the alleged offer while they were staying in a private resort in Bidadi on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
“Four people who came from Odisha offered Rs. 5 crore each to Congress MLAs from Odisha staying at a resort in Bidadi for cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections from Odisha. Our MLAs told them that they were not ready for horse trading,” Shivakumar said.
Police Seize Cheque, Investigation Underway
The Deputy Chief Minister said the MLAs immediately informed the party leadership about the alleged bribery attempt. According to him, police have already seized a cheque allegedly given to the legislators as part of the offer.
“They explained about Operation Kamal. The police have confiscated the cheque which was given to the MLAs and they will conduct a mahzar,” Shivakumar said while confirming that law enforcement authorities have begun the investigation process.
Two Suspects Arrested, Two Still on the Run
Shivakumar confirmed that a formal complaint has been lodged with the police regarding the alleged attempt to influence the legislators.
“Of course, a complaint has already been lodged. Two of the four culprits have been arrested, and the police are searching for the two who escaped. The police will investigate it, and the law will take its course,” he stated.
The allegations have added a new dimension to the politically sensitive Rajya Sabha elections, where cross-voting has historically played a decisive role in several states.
Meeting With AICC President
Responding to questions about the Odisha Congress MLAs meeting Mallikarjun Kharge, Shivakumar dismissed speculation around the meeting.
“If the Congress MLAs don’t meet the AICC President, will they meet the BJP President? They took his blessings. They will be leaving for Odisha Monday morning,” he remarked.
‘No Crisis, We Face Such Situations Often’
When reporters pointed out that he appeared confident after handling yet another political controversy, Shivakumar responded with characteristic composure.
“There is no trouble; we keep facing such situations. I am always smiling, and I believe in my conscience,” he said.
Davangere Ticket Issue ‘Not a Confusion’
Shivakumar also dismissed reports of internal disagreements within the Congress regarding the party ticket in Davangere.
According to him, all leaders have agreed to abide by the party’s final decision, adding that there is no confusion within the party on the issue.
When asked about comments by Congress MLA Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda regarding Vokkaliga seer Nirmalananda Swamiji, Shivakumar declined to respond.
“I will not comment on that as I don’t have any information about it,” he said.
The allegations regarding the alleged Rs. 5 crore bribery attempt and Operation Lotus are likely to intensify political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP, especially as the Rajya Sabha election process gathers momentum.
