Congress' Gujarat lawmakers were flown to Bengaluru ahead of Rajya Sabha election
Fearing possible horse trading and lawmakers switching loyalties, the Congress has taken at least 40 legislators from Gujarat to a recreational spot in Bengaluru - just off the highway to Mysuru.
The legislators will be staying at the Eagleton Resort which has a golf course, spa facilities and swimming pools and will be flown back before the elections for three Rajya Sabha seats on August 8.
The move is aimed at bolstering chances of Sonia Gandhi's political secretary, Ahmed Patel, for a Rajya Sabha berth.
The resignations of six Congress lawmakers in two days has jeopardised Mr Patel's election. Three have joined the BJP, in what is seen as an elaborate plan scripted by veteran politician Shankarsinh Vaghela to stall the return of Mr Patel.
The BJP, which has a big majority in the state assembly, has fielded its party president Amit Shah and union minister Smriti Irani for the two seats it can easily win.
Congress lawmakers may also visit places like Tirupati or Kodagu near Bengaluru.
As an army of media personnel with cameras and OB vans waits for shots and sound bytes outside the gates, a police van and jeeps are on standby. Only employees, guests already booked into the resort and Congress members are allowed inside.
The herded lawmakers are being monitored by DK Suresh, brother of DK Shivakumar, power minister in Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's cabinet, known for his organisational skills.