Odisha Assembly numbers game Archives - Odisha Connect

Odisha Rajya Sabha Election: Five Candidates Remain in Fray After Withdrawal Deadline

OdishaConnect — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:45:11 +0000

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.

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Cross-Voting Fears Grip Odisha: BJD-Congress Candidate’s Delhi Trip Ignites Rumours Over 4th RS Seat

OdishaConnect — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:51:26 +0000

The contest for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat from Odisha has turned into a high-stakes political battle, with allegations of cross-voting, hurried trips to Delhi, and rumours of MLA poaching dominating the state’s political landscape.

The race has become increasingly intense as parties scramble to secure numbers ahead of the crucial election, making the fourth seat one of the most closely watched political contests in the state.

Hota’s Delhi Visit Sparks Political Buzz

The political temperature rose further after joint BJD-Congress candidate Datteshwar Hota travelled to the national capital along with Bhakta Charan Das.

During the visit, the leaders met Mallikarjun Kharge, head of the Indian National Congress. Political observers see the meeting as a strategic move to secure central leadership backing and ensure unity among opposition MLAs before the election.

The development has triggered speculation across party lines about the shifting dynamics in the state assembly.

BJD Accuses BJP of Attempting Cross-Voting

The Biju Janata Dal has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of reaching out to its MLAs in an attempt to engineer cross-voting and capture the fourth seat.

According to BJD leaders, the BJP is allegedly making last-minute efforts to persuade legislators to break ranks during the voting process.

The BJP, however, has rejected the allegations and claimed that it is confident of winning the seat through what it calls “conscience voting.”

Numbers Game Raises Questions

Based on the current strength in the Odisha Assembly, the BJP is widely expected to secure two seats comfortably, while the BJD is likely to win one. The fourth seat, however, remains uncertain and could depend heavily on cross-voting or unexpected shifts in support.

Political analysts say that without defections or strategic voting, the BJP’s path to the fourth seat appears mathematically difficult.

The Congress has dismissed claims of possible defections, insisting that its MLAs remain loyal to the party. Party leaders have asserted that their legislators are too “proud” to succumb to any inducements.

Suspicion Over a Few MLAs

Amid the intense political manoeuvring, speculation has also grown around certain legislators. Sofia Firdoos has drawn attention after reportedly skipping recent party meetings.

Similarly, Saubhik Bishwal has sparked unease within his party due to certain statements that have fueled speculation about shifting loyalties.

A Crucial Test of Political Alliances

As nomination deadlines approach and whispers of horse-trading grow louder, the fourth Rajya Sabha seat has evolved into a crucial test of party discipline and political alliances in Odisha.

With every vote expected to count, the outcome of this contest could reshape the state’s political equations and determine which party ultimately gains the upper hand in the battle for representation in the Rajya Sabha.

The post Cross-Voting Fears Grip Odisha: BJD-Congress Candidate’s Delhi Trip Ignites Rumours Over 4th RS Seat appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Odisha Rajya Sabha Drama: BJP’s Fourth Seat Gamble Sparks Horse Trading Fears

OdishaConnect — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:53:18 +0000

As the Rajya Sabha elections draw closer in Odisha, the political atmosphere has turned charged, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reportedly exploring the possibility of clinching a fourth seat. The move has sparked intense speculation about potential “horse trading” and shifting loyalties among MLAs across party lines.

While party leaders publicly dismiss such claims, backroom calculations and emerging political tensions have added intrigue to the contest.

Numbers Game: BJP’s Strategic Calculations

With the support of 22 MLAs, the BJP is comfortably positioned to secure two Rajya Sabha seats. However, party strategists are working to gather additional backing to push for a third—and potentially even a fourth—seat.

Political observers note that the equation could shift significantly with the support of suspended MLAs from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). If two suspended BJD legislators extend support, the vote requirement for an additional BJP victory could drop substantially, intensifying the contest.

BJD Turmoil Adds Twist

Internal unrest within the BJD over candidate selection has further complicated the scenario. Senior leaders Pravat Biswal and Pravat Tripathy were recently suspended amid rising tensions, adding to speculation about cracks within the regional party’s ranks.

The developments have drawn attention because both leaders have sons who currently serve as MLAs, fuelling debate over possible political realignments ahead of the polls.

Despite the turmoil, a section of 18 BJD MLAs, along with members from the Congress and CPI(M), are backing Datteswar Hota for the Upper House seat. However, unity within the opposition camp appears less than solid.

Congress Faces Internal Concerns

The Indian National Congress is reportedly grappling with internal challenges of its own. With 15 MLAs in the Assembly, Congress support is crucial for a consolidated opposition front.

Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das has expressed concerns about possible interference and cross-voting that could impact Hota’s prospects. Though party leaders have publicly denied any risk of defection, murmurs within political circles suggest unease remains.

BJP’s Response: “Wait and Watch”

State BJP president Manmohan Samal struck a measured tone, stating, “If BJD and Congress join to put up a common candidate, that is a positive for BJP. In two to three days, the picture will be clear.”

His remarks indicate that the BJP is closely monitoring opposition strategies while keeping its options open.

Alliances Under Test

As nomination deadlines approach, the focus now shifts to whether opposition unity will hold firm or whether dissenting MLAs could alter the outcome. Political analysts suggest that the unfolding drama may significantly shape the composition of Odisha’s representation in the Rajya Sabha.

With tensions simmering and strategic manoeuvring underway, the upcoming vote promises to be more than just a routine election—it could redefine political alignments in the state’s legislative landscape.

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