Two detained after alleged attempt to lure Odisha Congress MLAs at Bidadi resort

Ramanagara, : High political drama unfolded near Bidadi in Ramanagara district after two individuals were detained for allegedly attempting to lure Congress MLAs from Odisha who were staying at a resort ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. The incident has sparked fresh allegations of horse trading in the run-up to the Odisha Rajya Sabha election.

According to sources, Congress leaders had shifted several MLAs from Odisha to a resort near Bidadi in Ramanagara district as a precautionary measure to prevent cross-voting during the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls. The legislators were accommodated at a private resort close to Wonderla Resort under close watch by party leaders.

The controversy erupted on Sunday morning when four unidentified individuals reportedly arrived at the resort and attempted to meet one of the Congress MLAs from Odisha. The suspicious movement alerted Congress leaders, who immediately intervened and detained two of the individuals inside the resort premises.

Party sources claimed that the two men were allegedly trying to influence the MLA ahead of the Rajya Sabha voting. Meanwhile, the other two individuals who accompanied them reportedly fled from the spot before they could be caught.

During the preliminary inquiry, several blank cheques were reportedly recovered from the detained individuals. Sources said that one of the cheques carried the name of a person identified as Birendra Prasad. The names of Birendra Prasad, Ajit Kumar Sahu and Sumachal Mahakud have surfaced in connection with the incident, though officials are yet to confirm their exact roles.

After receiving information about the incident, police from Bidadi Police Station rushed to the resort and conducted a preliminary inspection. The two detained individuals were taken into custody for questioning as part of the investigation.

Police officials said they are verifying the identities of the suspects and examining the recovered documents, including the blank cheques. Authorities are also investigating whether the individuals had attempted to influence the MLAs with financial inducements.

The alleged attempt to purchase legislators has triggered intense political debate, with Congress leaders accusing rival parties of trying to engineer defections ahead of the Rajya Sabha election. However, no official statement has been issued by the other political parties regarding the allegations.

Police said a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any legal action will be taken against those involved.