RajyaSabha – Congress Moves Odisha MLAs To Bengaluru Before March 16 Vote
RajyaSabha – The Congress party has moved several of its legislators out of Odisha amid growing concern that rival camps may attempt to influence voting during the Rajya Sabha election. Party leaders arranged for a group of MLAs to travel to Bengaluru on Thursday evening, a move seen as an effort to keep the party ranks united before the polling day.
Congress Legislators Shifted To Bengaluru
According to party sources, nine out of the Congress party’s fourteen MLAs boarded a flight to Bengaluru along with Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das. The lawmakers are expected to stay in the Karnataka capital until the election and return to Bhubaneswar shortly before the voting process begins.
Senior party members indicated that the relocation was planned after internal discussions earlier in the day. The decision was taken to ensure that legislators remain together and are not approached by political opponents in the run-up to the election.
Party leaders said that moving the MLAs to a state governed by the Congress would help maintain better coordination and limit any possibility of external pressure. During their stay in Bengaluru, the legislators may also meet national Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge if his schedule permits.
Some Congress MLAs Remain In Odisha
Not all Congress lawmakers joined the Bengaluru trip. Five MLAs stayed back in Odisha and did not travel with the state party president. Among them are Congress Legislature Party leader Ramachandra Kadam and senior MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati.
Other MLAs who remained in the state include Cuttack-Barabati legislator Sofia Firdous, Gunupur MLA Satyajeet Gomango, and Sanakhemundi MLA Ramesh Chandra Jena.
Party insiders said the leadership remains in contact with these lawmakers, while maintaining strict coordination ahead of the voting day. Earlier, the party had already issued a three-line whip directing all its MLAs to remain present in Bhubaneswar until the Rajya Sabha election concludes on March 16.
Independent Candidate Revives Memories Of Past Election
The Congress has declared its support for the second Rajya Sabha candidate of the Biju Janata Dal, Dr Datteswar Hota. Based on the current strength of both parties in the Odisha Assembly, the BJD and Congress together have sufficient numbers to secure the second seat.
However, the entry of Independent candidate Dilip Ray, who is reportedly backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party, has added an element of uncertainty to the election.
Political observers recall a similar situation during the 2002 Rajya Sabha election in Odisha when Ray secured victory following cross-voting by several MLAs from both the Congress and the BJD. That episode has heightened caution within the parties ahead of the upcoming vote.
Concerns Also Visible Within BJD Camp
Signs of unease are not limited to the Congress camp. The ruling Biju Janata Dal is also closely monitoring developments after recent political shifts involving one of its legislators.
Subasini Jena, the BJD MLA from Basta, recently met party president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik along with Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik. The meeting took place shortly after her husband, former Balasore MP Rabindra Kumar Jena, joined the BJP.
The interaction drew attention because Naveen Patnaik had earlier accused the BJP of attempting to influence lawmakers through political inducements in order to gain advantage in the Rajya Sabha election.
Loyalty Questions Add To Political Tension
Speculation surrounding Subasini Jena intensified earlier this week when she made a public statement suggesting that time would reveal her decision regarding the Rajya Sabha vote. Her remark triggered concern among BJD leaders at a time when parties are trying to ensure discipline within their legislative ranks.
On Thursday, however, Jena clarified her position and said she continues to remain with the Biju Janata Dal and regards Naveen Patnaik as her leader.
Despite the clarification, party insiders indicated that the leadership is keeping a close watch on the evolving political situation as the Rajya Sabha election approaches. With the vote only days away, both ruling and opposition parties appear focused on ensuring that their legislators remain united during the decisive ballot.