BJD Issues Whip Amidst Rajya Sabha Election Tensions in Odisha

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has taken a decisive step ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, issuing a whip to all its MLAs to remain in Bhubaneswar from March 13-16. This comes after party leader Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP of attempting horse-trading for the elections.

Currently, the BJD holds 50 seats, but two of its members are suspended. The urgency of the whip reflects the tense political atmosphere, as both major parties—the BJD and BJP—lack the sufficient numbers to elect their secondary candidates, heightening fears of potential cross-voting.

The BJP has fielded Dilip Ray as an Independent candidate, in addition to its two official candidates. Meanwhile, BJD has nominated eminent urologist Dr. Datteswar Hota, with support from opposition Congress and CPI(M), aiming for a strategic win amidst potential defections and vote swings.