Odisha Rajya Sabha race heats up; suspense mounts over crucial fourth seat

Political activity has intensified in Odisha ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, with major parties firming up their strategies even as suspense continues over the crucial fourth seat.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has reportedly procured six sets of nomination papers, while the Congress has bought three, signalling their intent to remain active in the contest. However, political circles are abuzz over who will ultimately be nominated, particularly for the fourth seat.

BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik convened a meeting of party MLAs at Naveen Niwas following a Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting held a day earlier. Sources said the discussions centred on the party’s Rajya Sabha strategy, including obtaining signatures of MLAs as proposers for the nomination papers already purchased.

Though the BJD has the numbers to secure at least one seat comfortably, its decision to procure multiple nomination sets has triggered speculation about a broader strategy and possible contest for additional seats. Names such as Santrupt Misra and Sujata Karthikeyan are doing the rounds as probable candidates, while senior leaders have hinted at significant internal deliberations.

"There is no connection between the number of nomination forms procured and the number of candidates to be fielded. Since March 5 is the last date for filing nominations, the selection of candidates and their official announcement will be made well before that. We need to remain patient until then," said BJD MLA Arun Sahoo.

Also Read: BJP begins candidate hunt as Rajya Sabha race heats up in Odisha

On the Congress front, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das has left for New Delhi to finalise the party’s strategy. Congress MLA Satyajeet Gomango purchased three sets of nomination papers, indicating the party’s intention to stay in the fray despite not having the required strength in the Assembly on its own.

"I will hold discussion with the party high command. It will be better if BJD and Congress select a talented and worthy candidate from Odisha," said PCC President Bhakta Charan Das.

"BJD is planning for the fourth seat and it will be made clear soon. BJD will fight. However, the party supremo will take all the decisions in this regard," said BJD leader Sarada Prasanna Jena.

Meanwhile, the BJP is yet to announce its nominee, with the party’s Parliamentary Board expected to take a final call soon. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, who is currently in New Delhi, is likely to hold key meetings with the central leadership, further fuelling speculation over the party’s strategy for the Upper House polls.

"Except for one seat, the BJP is expected to win all the others. The political equation is still in progress and will become clear when the results are announced," said Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta.

With the last date for filing nominations set for March 5 and only a few working days remaining due to the weekend holidays, political manoeuvring has intensified. All eyes are now on the emerging equation for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat, which could determine the final shape of Odisha’s representation in the Upper House.