Odisha CM Congratulates BJP’s Rajya Sabha Winners Amid Cross‑Voting Drama

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated BJP state president Manmohan Samal and sitting Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar after their victory in the biennial Rajya Sabha elections.

Majhi said their presence in Parliament will amplify Odisha’s voice and strengthen the state’s vision of “Samriddha Odisha”.

The Chief Minister also invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and sought Lord Jagannath’s blessings for the newly elected members.

In a dramatic turn, BJP‑backed independent candidate Dilip Ray secured the fourth Rajya Sabha seat, defeating the BJD‑Congress common nominee Dr Datteswar Hota.

The contest was marked by cross‑voting, signalling shifting political equations in the Odisha Assembly.

With these wins, the BJP has consolidated its position in the Upper House, reflecting its growing influence in Odisha’s political landscape.