Rajya Sabha candidature: Bhakta Das confirms phone call with Dilip Ray, bats for Datteswar Hota

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Charan Das confirmed that he spoke to former Union Minister Dilip Ray over the phone on Wednesday regarding ongoing Rajya Sabha election developments.

Also Read: Dilip Ray announces Rajya Sabha bid as independent candidate, Odisha BJP extends support

Bhakta Das instead batted for the common candidate of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, Dr Datteswar Hota, calling the bid an ideological fight but not about personal ties.

Describing Dilip Ray as a good friend, Bhakta Das said he was unable to understand why Ray chose to contest as an Independent candidate at the last moment. He stated that he had earlier suggested Ray could consider contesting as a candidate from either the BJD or Congress, but Ray had not responded clearly at that time.

According to Das, Ray had mentioned that he would think about the matter if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made him its first choice (number one) candidate. However, he has now filed a nomination as an Independent candidate for the Rajya Sabha.

Das has clarified that if support is sought at the final hour, there is little he can do. He emphasised further, saying the election is an ideological battle and not a matter of personal relationships. Therefore, he said, requesting his backing would not be appropriate.

The PCC chief asserted that Congress candidate Datteswar Hota will securely receive at least 14 Congress votes and one vote from CPI (M). Das also urged all party MLAs not to engage in any anti-party activities.

“Congress and BJD cannot support a BJP candidate. There is a huge gap; there are many ideological differences. A decision was made today after discussions, based on temporary necessity and for the welfare of the public and the state of Odisha,” Bhakta Das said.

“In this context, it is not possible. I don't understand why he did this, but it was not needed at this final stage. I had told him a month ago that if Congress and the BJD come together, we can consider it. But no response was given. I had said I have no interest in BJP,” the PCC chief expressed while speaking to mediapersons on the occasion of Holi celebrations.

“He (Dilip Ray) had mentioned that he would be the ‘number one’ candidate in the BJP. Since that didn't happen, what is the point of talking now? I have clearly told him, brother, this is an ideological battle. There is no room for relationships here,” the PCC chief added.

Reported By: Ananta