The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha have triggered intense political speculation, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Indian National Congress (Congress) gearing up for a high-stakes contest. Four seats are up for grabs, and shifting equations in the state assembly have made this election particularly crucial.
BJP Eyes Three Seats Amid Strong Assembly Numbers
With its improved strength in the Odisha Assembly, the BJP is confident of securing at least two seats and is optimistic about clinching a third.
Several names are doing the rounds within party circles. Among them is Sujit Kumar, a former BJD leader who joined the BJP and won a by-election last year. Other potential contenders include state president Manmohan Samal, former president Basant Panda, and Samir Mohanty.
However, insiders suggest that the final decision will rest with the BJP’s central leadership in New Delhi. Notably, no core committee meeting was held in the state unit to formally deliberate on candidates, reinforcing the perception that the call will be taken at the national level.
BJD Awaits Naveen Patnaik’s Final Word
In the BJD camp, all eyes are on party supremo Naveen Patnaik, who is expected to take the final call on candidate selection.
Names such as Santripti Mishra, Debiprasad Mishra, Sanjay Dasburma, and Sujata Kartikeyan are reportedly under consideration, though no formal announcement has been made. The party’s political affairs committee recently deferred the decision to Patnaik.
Around 30–35 MLAs were called to Naveen Niwas for consultations, though there was no collective meeting. Some legislators met Patnaik individually, while others left without interaction. A follow-up meeting is expected soon.
BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahu downplayed concerns over delays, stating that the party chief would decide at an appropriate time.
Congress Pushes for Surprise Entry
Meanwhile, the Congress, led in Odisha by PCC president Bhakta Charan Das, has expressed its intention to field a candidate.
Das has appealed for support from the BJD in the broader interest of Odisha and has spoken against horse-trading in elections. He has floated the idea of backing a prominent independent candidate jointly supported by opposition forces to strengthen Odisha’s voice in the Upper House.
Potential names being discussed include noted economist Prof. Prabhat Patnaik, senior lawyer P.K. Ray, diplomat Lalit Mansingh, and cardiologist Dr. Subrat Acharya.
Crucial Deadlines Ahead
The nomination process is set to begin shortly, with March 2 and March 5 designated as filing dates. March 5 will be the final day for submissions.
With alliances fluid and strategies still evolving, the Rajya Sabha battle could significantly reshape Odisha’s political representation in New Delhi. The outcome may signal whether the BJP consolidates its growing influence in the state or whether the BJD manages to retain its traditional dominance in the Upper House.