Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar turned the heat on BJP Friday, labeling it the architect of Operation Lotus and horse-trading experts, as Odisha MLAs sought refuge in Bengaluru resorts before Rajya Sabha elections. The development has intensified accusations of political maneuvering in the state’s political corridors.
Answering media at Vidhana Soudha and a Bidadi facility, Shivakumar tackled queries on the Ramnagar resort housing Odisha lawmakers. ‘Poaching looms over every party; it’s politics’ harsh reality,’ he noted, pledging assistance. ‘We’ve hosted them; I’ve interacted personally with our MLAs.’
Hitting back at Prahlad Joshi’s Congress distrust claim, Shivakumar questioned BJP’s Karnataka defections. ‘State Sabha polls amplify Operation Lotus fears—no high-command orders, just vigilance against pressures and lures on 14-15 MLAs.’ Odisha PCC’s alert on secular fronts uniting against BJP spurred the safe haven shift.
‘Party summons demand respect; Bengaluru offers security. MLAs are pleased, newcomers included. We’re managing care seamlessly.’ Alliances with BJD, CPI field a counter-candidate to BJP ambitions.
On troubleshooter duties, he empowered Balakrishna and Yogeshwar: ‘Protection is paramount; the setup blocks all intrusions.’ Past Gujarat aid recalled, Shivakumar demurred on ambitions: ‘Effort begets success—no fantasies needed.’
As resorts become election fortresses, Shivakumar’s stance signals Congress’s aggressive anti-poaching armor, promising a high-stakes Rajya Sabha clash.