Rajya Sabha elections: Buzz grows over possible BJD–Congress understanding in Odisha

Speculation has intensified in Odisha’s political circles over a possible understanding between the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das is expected to meet the Leader of Opposition and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik in the first week of February. Das has sought an appointment with Patnaik, and the proposed meeting is likely to focus on exploring potential political coordination between the two parties.

According to sources, the Congress leader may propose the idea of fielding a joint candidate for the Rajya Sabha polls as part of efforts to build opposition unity against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Das has indicated that discussions could revolve around jointly supporting a distinguished personality from Odisha for the Upper House.

While it remains uncertain whether the BJD would extend its support to such a proposal, the Congress is expected to formally seek backing from the regional party.

“We and the BJD are opposition parties. If we unite, a candidate can win. Though we are not sure whether they would join hands with us, I have sought his (Naveen Patnaik’s) time for a discussion,” Das said.

Notably, four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha are set to fall vacant in the upcoming elections. Of these, the fourth seat has emerged as the focal point of political speculation, with discussions intensifying over possible alignments and vote arithmetic.

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As the election draws closer, the political positioning of both the BJD and the Congress is being closely watched, as their decisions could significantly influence the outcome of the Rajya Sabha polls in the state.