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BJD, Congress, CPI(M) Back Joint Rajya Sabha Candidate Datteshwar Hota

In a significant political development in Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal, Indian National Congress, and Communist Party of India have decided to jointly support a common candidate, Datteshwar Hota, for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das stated the decision was based on Hota's work and his non-partisan background, making him acceptable to all parties. He revealed that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was clear and supportive of this move, describing it as a revolutionary step to prevent horse-trading. The biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across ten states are scheduled for March 16.

Key Points: BJD, Congress, CPI(M) Support Datteshwar Hota for Rajya Sabha

  • Rare BJD-Congress-CPI(M) alliance
  • Support for non-partisan candidate Datteshwar Hota
  • Aim to prevent horse-trading
  • Naveen Patnaik backed the decision
  • Rajya Sabha polls on March 16
2 min read

Congress, BJD and CPI(M) back joint Rajya Sabha candidate Datteshwar Hota: Odisha Congress chief

Odisha Congress chief announces BJD, Congress, and CPI(M) alliance to back non-partisan candidate Datteshwar Hota for Rajya Sabha, citing anti horse-trading.

"Considering his work, we decided that he is a good person. He doesn't belong to any party, so all the like-minded parties can support him. - Bhakta Charan Das"

Bhubaneswar, March 5

Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das on Thursday said that the Indian National Congress, Biju Janata Dal and Communist Party of India have decided to support a joint candidate, Datteshwar Hota, for the Rajya Sabha elections.

Speaking to ANI, Das said the decision was taken considering Hota's work and his non-partisan background.

"Congress, BJD and CPI(M) have all decided to support the joint candidate Datteshwar Hota. Considering his work, we decided that he is a good person. He doesn't belong to any party, so all the like-minded parties can support him," Das said.

He also said that Naveen Patnaik was clear about the decision and called it a significant step in the current political situation of Odisha.

"Naveen Patnaik was very clear on this matter. Given Odisha's situation, he has taken a revolutionary step," he added.

"Odisha had four Rajya Sabha seats, three of which were clear, but one was unclear. Therefore, the BJD and Congress could have contested that seat together. To explore that possibility, to prevent horse-trading, and to make a decision in the best interest of the state, the candidate should have been someone who was neither in the BJD nor the Congress, but rather an educated person from Odisha, a son of an Odia who had worked for the people. We had said this before. We had asked Naveen Patnaik for time 8-10 days ago; he gave us time, and he also shared the same opinion. He was also strongly against horse-trading in Rajya Sabha elections. In such a situation, Naveen Patnaik has announced a joint candidate," Bhakta Charan Das said.

The polling for the upcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill the 37 seats across 10 states is scheduled to take place on March 16, with the counting of votes on the same day at 5 pm.

The term of 37 members who were elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in the month of April, vacating the seats for new members to be elected.

The last date of nominations is March 5, followed by scrutiny on March 6. The candidates can withdraw their nominations till March 9. The election process will be completed by March 20.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some sensible politics to stop horse-trading. BJD and Congress together? Never thought I'd see the day. But if it's for Odisha's benefit, I support it. Let's see if this unity lasts beyond this election.
A
Aman W
Good move. An educated, non-political person representing us in the Rajya Sabha might actually focus on issues rather than party politics. Need more such experiments across India.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this cross-party cooperation. As an observer, it seems like a strategic move to block a common opponent rather than pure idealism. The proof will be in his voting record in Parliament.
K
Karthik V
Naveen Patnaik's clarity on this is commendable. He has always tried to keep Odisha's interest first. Hope this candidate lives up to the trust. Jai Jagannath!
N
Nidhi U
While the intent seems good, let's be realistic. This is likely a one-off arrangement for a seat that was unclear. True political cooperation would be on policy, not just candidate selection. Still, a step in the right direction.

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