Karnataka MLC polls: Resort politics returns as Congress looks to shield MLAs

With eight candidates in the fray for seven seats, the contest in Karnataka is expected to be closely fought, making cross-voting a key factor in determining the outcome.

In Short

• Congress plans to keep legislators together from 16 June till polling
• MLAs are likely to stay at Terrea Resort on Mysuru Road
• Seven Council seats have drawn eight candidates from Congress, BJP and JD(S)

Karnataka is once again witnessing resort politics as the ruling Congress attempts to shield its MLAs ahead of the June 18 Legislative Council elections.

To prevent cross-voting and ward off any alleged poaching attempts by rival parties, the Congress has decided to sequester its legislators at a resort from June 16 until polling day on June 18.

According to party sources, following the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting on June 16, MLAs are expected to be shifted to Terrea Resort on Mysuru Road, located within the Wonderla amusement park premises, about 28 km from Bengaluru. They will remain there until they are transported directly to the Assembly to cast their votes.

The election is being held for seven Legislative Council seats. Congress has fielded five candidates: BK Hariprasad, Tippanappa Kamaknur, PV Mohan, Shivanna BS and Vinay Karthik Prakash. The JD(S) has nominated Govindaraju, while the BJP has fielded Lingaraj Patil and Raghu R.

With eight candidates in the fray for seven seats, the contest is expected to be closely fought, making cross-voting a key factor in determining the outcome.

The Karnataka Assembly currently has 222 members, with two vacancies. Each candidate requires 28 votes to secure victory. Based on current numbers, Congress is comfortably placed to win four seats, while the BJP is expected to secure two.

The battle for the seventh and final seat, however, remains wide open. Congress candidate Vinay Karthik Prakash and JD(S) candidate Govindaraju are locked in a direct contest, making it the most keenly watched race in the election.

It is this final seat that has triggered intense political manoeuvring and prompted Congress to take extra precautions with its legislators.

- Ends