A fresh layer of suspense has gripped Odisha ahead of the March 16 Rajya Sabha election, as senior Congress MLA Dasarathi Gamang reportedly became unreachable, sparking unease within the party leadership. The development has raised concerns about potential cross-voting and party cohesion in the closely watched contest.
Congress Leadership Attempts to Reach MLA
Congress Legislature Party leader Ramachandra Kadam revealed that repeated attempts by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) and the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to contact Gamang have gone unanswered. The communication blackout has fueled speculation about possible cross-voting risks and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring.
Party Projects Confidence Despite Silence
Despite the uncertainty, Kadam expressed confidence that Gamang would vote in favour of Congress-backed candidate Dr Datteswar Hota. “Even if he is unreachable, we trust that Dasarathi will vote for Hota,” he said, signalling the party’s attempt to project calm amid rising tensions.
Strict Warnings Against Cross-Voting
The Congress has issued a stern warning to all MLAs against defection. Kadam stated that firm disciplinary action would be taken against any legislator found guilty of cross-voting. He also emphasised that any attempts by the BJP to engineer a split “will not succeed.”
High-Stakes Political Environment
The episode comes at a time when alliances and anxieties are intensifying across Odisha’s political landscape. Parties are scrambling to secure every vote in the race for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat. Gamang’s unreachability has amplified speculation about behind-the-scenes deals and the Congress’s ability to maintain unity under high-stakes conditions.