With the March 16 Rajya Sabha elections drawing near, political activity in Odisha has intensified. Rival camps are strategically positioning legislators, issuing whips, and calculating vote-by-vote arithmetic for the crucial fourth seat, signaling a high-stakes battle in the 147-member Assembly.

Congress MLAs Camped in Bengaluru

Congress legislators from Odisha have been lodged in Bengaluru amid tight security and party coordination. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed that 14–15 Congress MLAs were in the city under his supervision.

Shivakumar told the media that the party was “in touch” and “taking care” of its members, indicating they would vote for candidates backed by Congress, BJD, and CPI(M). The move reflects emerging Opposition coordination in the state.

BJP Issues Whip to MLAs

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a whip instructing all MLAs to remain in Bhubaneswar and be present in the Assembly from 9 am to 4 pm on polling day.

The BJP is fielding Manmohan Samal (state president) and Sujeet Kumar, while also openly supporting Independent candidate Dilip Ray. This strategy is aimed at securing three of the four seats, underscoring the high stakes of the contest.

BJD Consolidates Support

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has huddled its legislators at Naveen Niwas under the leadership of party president Naveen Patnaik. The party has pitched Dr Datteswar Hota, former Odisha Health University VC, as a common candidate with Congress backing.

Other confirmed nominations include Santrupt Misra (BJD), Dr Hota (BJD-backed), Manmohan Samal (BJP), Sujeet Kumar (BJP), and Dilip Ray (Independent), setting up a competitive race for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat.

Fourth Seat Hinges on Cross-Voting

With 30 first-preference votes required for victory, the BJP is comfortably positioned to secure two seats, and the BJD one. The final berth, however, remains uncertain, hinging on cross-voting and last-minute deals—the first Rajya Sabha vote in Odisha in 12 years.

Election results are expected on the same day, promising intense political drama in the state.

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