Odisha Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: BJP Secures Majority Amid Cross-Voting Drama
In a dramatic turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clinched three out of four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha in the 2026 elections, marking a decisive victory that further consolidates its dominance in the state.
BJP state president Manmohan Samal, sitting MP Sujeet Kumar, and former Union minister Dilip Ray—who contested as an independent backed by the BJP—emerged victorious.
The lone seat for the opposition went to Santrupt Mishra of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
The contest was marred by cross-voting, with 11 MLAs from opposition parties reportedly defying party lines to support Dilip Ray.
This unexpected support ensured his win over the joint opposition candidate Dr. Datteswar Hota.
The election, the first contested Rajya Sabha poll in Odisha in 12 years, witnessed heated exchanges, allegations of horse-trading, and even scuffles among legislators.
The outcome underscores the BJP’s growing influence in Odisha politics following its 2024 Assembly triumph, while exposing cracks within the opposition camp.
Political analysts suggest the results could reshape Odisha’s parliamentary dynamics, strengthening the BJP’s voice in the Upper House and forcing the BJD to rethink its strategy ahead of future electoral battles.
