US EditionHigh-Stakes Rajya Sabha Elections: Accusations of Horse Trading in Odisha
Naveen Patnaik claims BJP candidates seek votes through horse-trading in Odisha's Rajya Sabha elections where each candidate needs support from about 30 MLAs.
- On Saturday , Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of horse-trading ahead of Rajya Sabha voting on March 16, 2026 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where five candidates contest four seats.
- Given the assembly arithmetic, with each candidate needing 30 MLAs, BJP's 79 MLAs and BJD's effective 40 fall short for the fourth seat in the 147-member Odisha Legislative Assembly.
- Amid preparations, leaders moved some MLAs to Bengaluru and parties are conducting mock-poll training, with candidates including BJP's Manmohan Samal, Sujeet Kumar, BJD's Santrupt Misra, Dr Datteswar Hota, and independent Dilip Ray backed by BJP, while BJD alleges Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi contacted MLAs to make deals.
- There is a risk of cross-voting that could decide the crucial fourth seat, with polling and counting on March 16, 2026 at 5 pm and outgoing Rajya Sabha seats vacating on April 2, 2026.
- Internal dissent emerged when Congress MLA Sofia Firdous criticised candidate selection, while Naveen Patnaik issued a three-line whip, escalating the confrontation.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Rajya Sabha Poll Row: BJD Chief Naveen Patnaik Alleges ‘horse-trading’; Jayanarayan Calls BJD ‘Sinking Boat’
Patnaik alleged that the BJP was trying to influence the outcome of the Rajya Sabha polls by persuading legislators to switch loyalties. Describing such actions as a threat to democratic values, he said the ruling party’s candidates were making attempts to secure votes through unethical means.
High-Stakes Rajya Sabha Elections: Accusations of Horse Trading in Odisha
Amid the Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha, BJD President Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP of engaging in 'horse trading,' calling it an offense in democratic processes, while both parties experience potential cross-voting challenges. BJP leaders, however, refute these accusations, highlighting internal political dynamics and the quest for securing key Rajya Sabha seats.
Times of India
The Economic TimesOdisha: Naveen Patnaik alleges BJP indulging in 'horse trading' in RS polls, ruling party rejects charge
In a politically charged climate, BJD leader Naveen Patnaik has leveled serious claims against the BJP, accusing them of engaging in unscrupulous negotiations as the Odisha Rajya Sabha elections draw near. The BJP swiftly refutes these allegations.
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