Congress MLAs offered Rs 5 crore to cross vote in Rajya Sabha: DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday accused some unknown people of attempting to lure Odisha Congress MLAs with Rs 5 crore each to influence the March 16 Rajya Sabha elections, terming it part of the BJP's alleged "Operation Lotus". Two people have been arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe the legislators.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Sadashivanagar and later at AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge's home, Shivakumar said the MLAs were housed at a resort in Bidadi when four individuals approached them with cash to cross vote.

"Four people have come. One local person named Suresh helped them; they contacted him (an MLA) online. In the morning they picked up our MLA. Our MLA told us that they offered Rs five crore for each vote. He (Congress MLA) said he is not for horse-trading," he said.

"The cheque and everything should be seized. A complaint will be filed at the police station. After that, whatever legal action is required will be taken," the Deputy Chief Minister added.

He also said that those caught have accepted that they came for the "same purpose".

"They have admitted it and the process is on to trace others. This is the great Operation Lotus carried out by BJP friends in Karnataka," the Deputy CM said.

The Congress uses the term "Operation Lotus" to describe alleged BJP efforts to topple non-BJP governments. It also refers to attempts to secure support from opposition MLAs for BJP-backed Rajya Sabha candidates.

When asked about internal disputes in Davanagere over tickets, he dismissed any confusion, saying, "Where is the confusion? All leaders have agreed to abide by the high command's decision".

Meanwhile, sources told news agency PTI that Congress MLAs be flying to Bhubaneswar on Sunday night. They will take part in the voting in the Upper House on Monday morning. The BJP has fielded one more candidate, which raised apprehensions of horse-trading. The Congress and the Biju Janata Dal have fielded a candidate.

- Ends