Rajya Sabha Elections Heat Up: Congress’s Bold Move Exposes Cracks in BJD

The Election Commission of India has announced elections for four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest among the state’s major parties. Voting will be held on March 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by counting at 5 p.m. Results are expected the same day, with the entire process scheduled to conclude by March 20.

Key Dates and Vacancies

Nominations must be filed by March 5, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until March 9. The elections will fill the vacancies created by the retirement of BJD MPs Muna Khan and Niranjan Bishi, and BJP MPs Sujit Kumar and Mamata Mahan. Their terms end on April 2.

With 147 members in the Odisha Assembly, the election will be conducted under the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. A candidate requires the support of at least 30 MLAs to secure a seat.

BJP and BJD in Strong Positions

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds 82 MLAs, including three supporting independents, placing it in a comfortable position to win two seats.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), with 48 MLAs (including two suspended members), is expected to secure one seat. This leaves the fourth seat open for a potential contest.

Congress Plans Surprise Move

The Indian National Congress, which has 14 MLAs along with support from one CPI member, falls short of the required numbers. Despite this, Congress has announced plans to field a candidate, raising the political stakes.

Congress Legislative Party leader Ramchandra Kadam said the party would nominate a candidate from within its ranks and ensure full backing from its MLAs. He hinted at possible discussions with BJD for support or even a joint nominee, while also appealing for support for BJD president Naveen Patnaik.

BJD Faces Internal Deliberations

Within the BJD, there appears to be intense deliberation over candidate selection. Senior leaders are reportedly advocating for experienced and loyal party veterans.

Senior BJD MLA Badri Patra remarked that seasoned political figures who have contributed significantly to the party should be considered for the Rajya Sabha berth.

Meanwhile, BJD spokesperson and MLA Sharda Prasad Jena dismissed allegations of horse-trading with the BJP, asserting that the party’s Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC) and president would take the final decision.

BJP Awaits Central Leadership Decision

Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal stated that the party’s central leadership would finalise candidates after consultations with state leaders.

Political Temperature Set to Rise

With numbers favouring the BJP and BJD but Congress attempting a strategic play, political observers expect intense lobbying and backchannel discussions in the coming weeks. The March 16 election is shaping up to be a crucial test of shifting alliances and party strategies in Odisha’s political landscape, potentially redefining the state’s representation in the Upper House.