The political atmosphere in Odisha has intensified as the deadline for withdrawal of nominations for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections has ended. With the withdrawal process complete, five candidates remain in the race for the Upper House seats from the state.
Five Candidates in the Fray
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Manmohan Samal and Sujit Kumar as its candidates. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has nominated Santrupt Misra and Dr. Datteshwar Hota. Meanwhile, former Union Minister Dilip Ray has entered the contest with the support of the BJP.
Political Heat Over Third and Fourth Seats
The Rajya Sabha election has triggered intense political activity in the state, particularly over the third and fourth seats. Both the ruling party and the opposition are closely watching the developments as the contest becomes increasingly competitive.
In a significant political development, the BJD and the Congress have joined hands for the first time in Odisha’s political history in the Rajya Sabha elections. Both parties have declared Dr. Datteshwar Hota as their common candidate.
BJP Claims Three Seats
BJP leaders remain confident about their prospects. BJP MLA Santosh Khatua asserted that the party is “200 percent sure” of winning three Rajya Sabha seats. He also said that the BJD, which hopes to secure support for the fourth candidate, should first wait and see where the votes ultimately go.
Congress Reacts
Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati stated that although he shares a good personal relationship with Dilip Ray, party interests come first in the Rajya Sabha election. He emphasized that the Congress has 14 united MLAs and claimed there is no internal division within the party. He further alleged that the BJP should focus on managing its own legislators.
Suspense Over BJD MLA’s Vote
Adding to the suspense, BJD MLA Subhasini Jena refused to clarify whom she would support in the Rajya Sabha election. She said the decision would be known at the appropriate time. Her statement has triggered fresh speculation in political circles, especially after BJD president Naveen Patnaik reportedly held discussions with party MLAs a day earlier.
Tight Contest for the Fourth Seat
The fourth Rajya Sabha seat has turned into a high-stakes battle between Dilip Ray and Dr. Datteshwar Hota. With BJP backing, Dilip Ray is believed to have the support of 22 MLAs. However, he still requires the backing of eight more legislators to secure victory.
There are indications that two suspended BJD MLAs — Arvind Mohapatra and Sana Mahakud — may extend their support to Dilip Ray. At the same time, political discussions suggest that BJD MLA Saubik Biswal and Congress MLA Sophia Firdous could potentially influence the numbers in favour of Dr. Hota.
Voting on March 16
The election for the four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha is scheduled to be held on March 16. With political negotiations and strategic moves continuing behind the scenes, all eyes are now on who will ultimately secure the crucial fourth seat in what has become one of the most intriguing contests in recent Odisha political history.