The Congress has moved its Karnataka legislators to a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru ahead of the June 18 Legislative Council elections. The party aims to eliminate the risk of cross-voting while seeking to secure five of the seven seats at stake.
A meeting of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP), chaired by chief minister DK Shivakumar, was held on Tuesday at Wonderla Resort near Bidadi. Party MLAs were directed to remain at the resort for two days before travelling directly to the Vidhana Soudha to cast their votes.
The gathering marks the first CLP meeting since Shivakumar became its leader. The Congress leadership finalised its strategy for the election, in which the party has fielded five candidates.
With 135 votes, Congress can easily win four seats. However, since Shivakumar has made it a prestige issue by fielding Vinay Karthik as the fifth candidate, there is a fierce struggle for additional votes.
Extensive arrangements have been made at the resort for the legislators' stay. Around 135 rooms have been reserved, with accommodation and meals arranged for approximately 150 people.
