In a surprising turn of events following the recent Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha 2026, an unusual silence has gripped key political constituencies in Cuttack. Despite cross-voting by several MLAs in favour of Dilip Ray, there has been little to no public backlash in their respective constituencies.

No Local Outrage Despite Party Action

The most notable case is that of Congress MLA Sofia Firdous from Barabati-Cuttack, who was suspended by the Indian National Congress for defying the party line. Additionally, Cuttack Nagar Congress president Giri Bala Behera was expelled.

Interestingly, both leaders continue to face no visible protest or resistance from local party workers or the public. Behera even launched a sharp attack on state Congress president Bhakta Das, calling him a “mafia,” and accused his son Sagar Das of cross-voting—remarks that went largely uncontested.

Similar Calm in Other Constituencies

A comparable situation is unfolding in Choudwar-Cuttack and Banki constituencies. Biju Janata Dal MLAs Saubhik Biswal and Debiranjan Tripathy, who were issued show-cause notices for their actions, have also not encountered any major local opposition.

While isolated protests and effigy burnings by Congress workers were reported in other areas, the home constituencies of the accused leaders have remained largely unaffected and calm.

Opposition Sees Opportunity

Former MLA Mohammad Moquim has seized the moment to invite the three legislators to join his new political outfit. Criticizing the Congress, he stated that the party’s credibility has been severely damaged after the Rajya Sabha elections.

Moquim described Cuttack as an “intellectual hub” and suggested that Sofia Firdous had been sidelined within the party, adding that her decision to go against the party line may have been justified.

Signs of Political Realignment?

Political observers believe that this unusual silence could signal a deeper shift in the political dynamics of Cuttack. The lack of grassroots resistance may indicate weakening control of traditional party structures like the Congress and BJD.

Analysts suggest that the city could be witnessing a quiet political realignment, where voters and local leaders are re-evaluating loyalties, potentially reshaping the future political landscape of Cuttack.

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