Odisha BJP Isolates MLAs in Paradip Hotel Ahead of Rajya Sabha Polls
In a dramatic move ahead of the crucial Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16, the Odisha BJP has shifted over 70 MLAs and several ministers to the May Fair Hotel in Paradip.
The decision aims to ensure discipline and train legislators on the preferential voting system under the single transferable vote method.
The MLAs, escorted in three buses from Bhubaneswar, arrived late at night on March 14–15.
Each has been allotted a private room, with tight security surrounding the hotel premises.
Party insiders revealed that the training sessions are particularly important for first‑time legislators unfamiliar with the complex voting process.
With 79 seats and support from independents, the BJP is confident of securing at least two of the four vacant Rajya Sabha seats, while eyeing a possible third.
The BJD, holding 48 seats, and Congress, with 14, have issued strict whips to prevent cross‑voting.
Congress has even moved some MLAs to a resort in Bengaluru amid fears of poaching, while BJD legislators are attending mandatory sessions at Naveen Niwas.
The contest for the fourth seat is expected to be intense, with BJP‑backed Independent Dilip Ray facing off against BJD-Congress-supported Datteswar Hota.
Voting will take place on March 16 from 9 am to 4 pm at the Odisha Assembly, with counting scheduled later the same day.
