Congress MLAs moved freely, but jammers used

Security was tight at the star hotel where the Karnataka Congress legislators were housed in the city on Thursday. But there were gaps.

Journalists were not allowed inside, but anyone could walk in for a cup of coffee and talk to the legislators.

Inside the hotel, the MLAs were moving freely in the premises but refused to answer questions. Whenever they left their rooms, the MLAs were followed by Karnataka security officials and party workers.

Sources said the phones of the Karnataka MLAs were taken away and the room numbers were not revealed even to the hotel employees. Jammers were installed at the hotel to block the signals due to which even hotel staff and journalists faced issues with their phones.

Telangana Congress Committee (TPCC) chief Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior leaders from the state visited the hotel to make arrangements for the MLAs. Reportedly, a few MLAs from JD(S) were lodged at other prominent hotels like Novotel, Awasa Hotels and Golconda Resorts in Gandipet.

About, 30 Congress MLAs were sharing 20 rooms in Taj Krishna. The hotel security staff was only allowing journalists and camera-persons who were carrying their ID proofs from their media houses. Outsiders and passers-by were seen sneaking inside the luxury hotel amid the high drama.

The grand ball room at Taj Krishna, which is usually open for outsiders and customers, was locked.

A lavish Hyderabadi spread was laid out for them. Many staffers were asked to report for additional assistance. Additional security forces including female staff were deployed at the hotel.

After having lunch in their rooms, some MLAs came out for some relief.

Congress MLA Shivshankarappa of Davanagere South came to first floor along with another MLA.

When this reporter, who walked in as a guest, spoke with him, he only identified himself. To a question, he said all party MLAs were at the hotel. This was repeated by other MLAs. None of them was willing to answer any other question.

Karnataka Congress MP D.K. Suresh, the brother of Congress camp incharge D.K. Shiva Kumar, was seen maintaining the list of party MLAs.

Karnataka PCC president G. Parameswara, AICC secretary and Karnataka Congress incharge K.C. Venugopal and other leaders are also in the camp along with MLAs.