Congress is responding to a crucial Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh by relocating 61 legislators, some with family members, to Karnataka, a state governed by the party. Earlier reports indicated the flight had departed for Karnataka, but sources now state the aircraft remains grounded awaiting clearance. Thirty-eight MLAs have boarded, while 22 others are set to depart later in the evening.
On Tuesday the party began transferring nearly all its MLAs to Karnataka as a precaution after claims that the BJP was attempting to reach some of them. The leadership approved the move days after the BJP nominated a third candidate, Mahesh Kewat, against Congress nominee Meenakshi Natarajan, turning a routine poll into a test of party discipline.
Chief whip Sohan Valmiki confirmed the legislators will stay in Karnataka until shortly before the June 18 vote. He said the decision aims to protect democracy from alleged BJP efforts to undermine it. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar added that reports of BJP contacts prompted the shift to a Congress-ruled state.
State Congress president Jitu Patwari accused the BJP of using political engineering rather than numbers and alleged attempts to influence legislators through manipulation or inducements. Several MLAs traveled with relatives, highlighting the high stakes.
The Congress maintains it holds enough votes for Natarajan yet appears unwilling to risk defections. The BJP holds 165 seats, enough for two seats, but needs additional support for the third. Former legislator Bina Sapre’s vote is uncertain, and both parties are courting Bharat Adivasi Party MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar.
Rajya Sabha elections rely on legislators, so discipline is vital. The BJP’s nomination of Kewat has forced Congress to manage perceptions of unity after internal doubts about Natarajan’s selection. Senior leaders including Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh have publicly endorsed the candidate.
Beneath the contest lies deeper concern over the 2020 events when Jyotiraditya Scindia and 22 MLAs left Congress, toppling the state government. The Karnataka relocation reflects ongoing efforts to project stability amid fears of further defections.
