BJP Issues Whip to MLAs Ahead of Rajya Sabha Elections in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha has issued a strict whip to all its legislators ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16, directing them to remain present in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and participate in the voting process without fail.

Government Chief Whip Saroj Pradhan issued the directive, asking BJP MLAs to be present in the Assembly on the day of polling to ensure full participation. The move comes amid increased political activity and speculation over possible cross-voting or strategic manoeuvres during the election for four vacant Rajya Sabha seats from the state.

Polling for the elections will be held from 9 am to 4 pm on March 16, while counting of votes will begin at 5 pm the same day.

Five candidates are contesting the election. The BJP has fielded Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar, while the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has nominated Santrupt Misra. Dr. Datteswar Hota is contesting as a joint opposition candidate backed by BJD, Congress and CPI(M). Independent candidate Dilip Ray is also in the fray with the support of the BJP.

With the BJP currently holding a strong position in the Odisha Assembly with 79 MLAs and the support of some Independent members, the party has emphasised discipline and unity to secure maximum advantage in the biennial Rajya Sabha polls.

Meanwhile, opposition parties BJD and Congress have also issued similar whips, directing their MLAs to remain in Bhubaneswar from March 13 to March 16 to prevent any possibility of horse-trading or defections ahead of the election.