Odisha Rajya Sabha Race Intensifies Amid Horse-Trading Allegations
The battle for Odisha’s fourth Rajya Sabha seat has escalated into a fierce political showdown, with accusations of horse-trading and party rivalries dominating the discourse.
Independent candidate Dr Datteshwar Hota, backed by the BJD, Congress, and CPI(M), faces BJP-supported Dilip Ray in a contest that has exposed deep divisions and strategic manoeuvring.
BJD leaders have accused the BJP of attempting inducements to secure votes despite lacking numerical strength.
Senior leader Arun Sahu emphasised party unity and predicted the BJP’s failure.
In response, BJP leaders, including MLA Babu Singh and Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, claimed Dilip Ray would prevail, pointing to alleged internal rifts within the BJD.
Congress Legislature Party leader Ramchandra Kadam dismissed the BJP’s chances, citing their stronger numbers—33 MLAs compared to the BJP’s 22—and announced a legislature party meeting on March 9 to finalise strategy.
The outcome of this contest is being closely watched as a test of Odisha’s political ethics, raising questions about whether sheer numbers or backroom deals will decide the seat.
