BENGALURU — Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has alleged a botched attempt by the BJP to bribe Odisha Congress MLAs sequestered at a resort in Bidadi. The incident occurs on the eve of the March 16 Rajya Sabha elections.

Key Highlights:

• The Alleged Offer: Shivakumar claimed four individuals offered ₹5 crore per vote to the eight Odisha MLAs to secure cross-voting. Two cheques were reportedly seized after the legislators rejected the offer.
• Detentions & Investigation: Two suspects were apprehended at the resort and allegedly confessed to "Operation Lotus," while two others fled. The Bidadi police have registered a case following a formal complaint by Odisha CLP Deputy Leader Ashok Kumar Das.
• Threats Reported: The police complaint alleges that the suspects not only attempted bribery but also issued death threats to the MLAs if they returned to Odisha without complying.
• High-Stakes Context: The Congress lawmakers have been in Bengaluru since March 12 to prevent poaching after the BJP fielded an additional candidate for the Odisha Rajya Sabha seats.

The Bengaluru police are currently examining CCTV footage and the seized financial documents as part of their ongoing probe.