Odisha Rajya Sabha Election 2026: BJD–Congress Alliance Challenges BJP’s Plans
The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha have taken a dramatic turn with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress joining hands to support a common candidate.
The state has four seats up for grabs, and the BJP, despite holding a majority in the Assembly, now faces a tougher battle than expected.
The BJD has nominated Dr Santrupt Misra, a trusted aide of Naveen Patnaik, and Dr Datteswar Hota, a renowned urologist and former principal of SCB Medical College.
Congress has extended its support to Dr Hota, making him the United Opposition’s candidate.
With this alliance, BJD is assured of one seat, while Dr Hota is strongly positioned to win the contested fourth seat.
This development disrupts the BJP’s earlier confidence of securing three seats, leaving the party with a likely tally of two.
The BJP has yet to announce its candidates, and its next move will determine whether voting is triggered and whether it can muster cross‑party support to claim a third seat.
Observers note that the BJD–Congress strategy has reshaped the electoral arithmetic, turning the March 16 polls into a high‑stakes contest where the BJP’s response will be closely watched.
