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BJP, Congress Strategize in Key Meetings Ahead of Odisha Rajya Sabha Polls

The BJP held a high-level meeting of its MLAs and announced it will contest three Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in attendance. Simultaneously, the Congress Legislature Party met to formulate its strategy for the polls, with most of its MLAs present. BJD-backed common candidate Dr Datteswar Hota attended the Congress meeting to formally request its support for his candidacy. The elections are necessitated by the retirement of four Rajya Sabha members from the state in April.

Key Points: BJP, Congress Meetings Before Odisha Rajya Sabha Elections

  • BJP to contest three Rajya Sabha seats
  • Congress MLAs discuss strategy
  • BJD-backed candidate seeks Congress support
  • Four RS members retiring April 2
2 min read

BJP, Congress hold key meetings ahead of Odisha Rajya Sabha elections

BJP plans to field three candidates, Congress holds strategy meet as parties prepare for Odisha Rajya Sabha elections. Key leaders attend.

"We have placed our request before the Congress leaders. We believe in democratic values - Dr Datteswar Hota"

Bhubaneswar, March 2

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to field three candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Following a high-level meeting of party MLAs held here on Monday, a senior leader informed the media that the BJP would contest three Rajya Sabha seats.

He added that the party's Central leadership will announce the names of candidates soon. During the meeting, all party MLAs were instructed to remain present at the time of filing of nominations by the candidates on March 5.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, and Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal, along with several other senior party leaders, were present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, a crucial meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) was also held on Monday at a hotel near Congress Bhawan in Bhubaneswar to chalk out the party's strategy for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha.

The meeting is being attended by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das, CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam, and Odisha AICC in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu. Out of the 14 Congress MLAs in the State Assembly, 12 were present during the discussion.

On the other hand, BJD-backed common candidate for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat, Dr Datteswar Hota, has also attended the meeting seeking the support of the Congress legislators.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Hota said that he had formally requested the Congress leadership to extend support to his candidature.

"We have placed our request before the Congress leaders. We believe in democratic values and have appealed to them to take a considered decision. We will present a detailed report on our views and expectations," he said.

Speaking on the formal request of Hota seeking support of the Congress party, OPCC president Das stated that the matter would be referred to the party's central leadership for a final decision.

"The issue will be discussed and communicated to the high command. After consultations with our MLAs and senior leaders, an appropriate decision will be taken," he said.

With the retirement of four Rajya Sabha members from Odisha scheduled for April 2, elections have been necessitated. The outgoing representatives include Niranjan Bishi and Munna Khan from BJD, along with Sujeet Kumar and Mamata Mohanta of the ruling BJP.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the new Odisha government holding meetings and planning strategically. Hope the elected representatives focus on development issues for the state in the Upper House, not just party politics. 🤞
R
Rahul R
The Congress is in a tight spot here. With only 12 MLAs present, their unity is questionable. Supporting BJD might be a tactical move, but will their Delhi leadership allow it? This is where independent decision-making for state units is needed.
A
Aman W
All this political maneuvering... but what about the actual work? Rajya Sabha members should be chosen for their expertise and ability to contribute to lawmaking, not just as a reward for party loyalty.
K
Kavya N
The BJP is moving fast after winning the state. Fielding three candidates shows they are utilizing their majority. Hope the candidates are from diverse backgrounds and can raise Odisha's specific issues in Parliament effectively.
D
David E
Following this from abroad. The process seems very centralized, with state units waiting for the "high command." Dr. Hota's appeal to democratic values while seeking support is a classic political statement. The real test is who the Congress supports.

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