Rajya Sabha Polls: Fourth seat promises intriguing contest in Odisha

Preparations for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections have begun, triggering intense political discussions in Odisha. With the tenure of four Rajya Sabha members set to end in April, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has written to the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to initiate preparatory measures.

Also Read: Rajya Sabha elections: EC initiates preparations in Odisha, 9 other states

The Election Commission has also sent letters to the chief electoral officers of ten states, including Odisha, where elections will be held for 37 Rajya Sabha seats. Instructions have been issued for the appointment of returning and assistant returning officers, along with arrangements for ballot papers and other logistical preparations.

The four Rajya Sabha members whose terms are ending include Munna Khan, Niranjan Bishi, Mamata Mohanta and Sujit Kumar. As election preparations gain momentum, the political circles are abuzz with speculation over party nominees and seat calculations.

According to current strength in the Odisha Assembly, BJP is expected to secure two seats, while BJD is likely to win one. However, the fourth seat has emerged as the most intriguing contest, as no party has the required numbers to win it outright.

The BJP has stated that the party’s central leadership will take the final call on candidates. The BJD has indicated that party president Naveen Patnaik will select a loyal and committed leader. The Congress, meanwhile, has acknowledged its numerical weakness, saying it hopes a deserving candidate emerges.

Several names are doing the rounds for the BJP’s two seats, while speculation is also rife over potential BJD nominees. Political analysts believe the fourth seat could witness intense behind-the-scenes manoeuvring, including the possibility of cross-voting, making it the most closely watched contest in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

“Speculations on bypoll for the fourth seat (in Rajya Sabha from Odisha) are going on, and there is a very high chance of cross-voting, which cannot be ruled out. The kind of situation prevalent in BJD suggests that cross-voting is inevitable. The idea of a consensus also cannot be denied,” noted political analyst Prasanna Mohanty said to OTV, when contacted.