NewKerala.com

BJP MLAs Visit Paradip for Rajya Sabha Poll Prep, Deny Cross-Voting Rumors

BJP MLA Ashwini Sarangi stated that party legislators visited Paradip to familiarize themselves with the Rajya Sabha voting process and prevent errors, dismissing any possibility of cross-voting. Congress leader Ramachandra Kadam confirmed his party also conducted a training session in Bhubaneswar to understand the assembly's voting arrangements. Meanwhile, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik held a meeting and accused the BJP and its candidates of attempting horse-trading to win the democratic election. Polling for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states is scheduled for March 16, with counting set for the same evening.

Key Points: Rajya Sabha Poll Prep: BJP Denies Cross-Voting, BJD Alleges Horse-Trading

  • BJP MLAs practice voting process
  • Speculation of cross-voting dismissed
  • BJD alleges BJP horse-trading attempts
  • Congress holds mock drill training
2 min read

No question of cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls: BJP MLA Ashwini Sarangi

Ahead of Rajya Sabha polls, BJP MLAs practice voting in Paradip, dismissing cross-voting. BJD alleges BJP horse-trading. Congress also holds training.

"Everyone will vote on their own discretion, so there is no question of cross-voting. - Ashwini Sarangi"

Bhubaneswar, March 15

BJP MLA Ashwini Sarangi said the party legislators visited Paradip ahead of Rajya Sabha elections to familiarise themselves with the voting process and ensure there are no errors during polling.

Speaking to ANI, Sarangi said the visit was part of a preparation exercise since many MLAs would be voting in the Rajya Sabha elections for the first time.

"We have a Rajya Sabha election, so we came here to see where and how to vote. We came to practice so that no one makes any mistakes, as it is our first time in the assembly," he said.

He further dismissed speculation about cross-voting during the elections. "Everyone will vote on their own discretion, so there is no question of cross-voting," Sarangi added.

The preparations come ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16, when polling will take place for seats across several states.

Earlier, Congress leader Ramachandra Kadam said party members had participated in a training session in Bhubaneswar to understand the voting arrangements inside the Assembly. According to Kadam, officials briefed MLAs on the entire process, including seating arrangements and the role of polling staff.

"We visited today for the mock drill; the PCC President, our MLA Sagar, and the entire team came together, and the Secretary walked us through everything. The Presiding Officer demonstrated how the actual process would be conducted, showing us the seating arrangements, where the reserve staff would be positioned, and where the agents would sit," Kadam said.

Meanwhile, Naveen Patnaik, chief of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), also held a meeting with party leaders in Bhubaneswar to discuss preparations for the elections and raised concerns over alleged attempts at horse-trading.

"Our party MLAs and all of us have just had a meeting with the concerned officers about the process of the elections for the upcoming Rajya Sabha. The BJP and their three Rajya Sabha candidates are trying their best to engage in horse trading, which is an offence to win this democratic election," Patnaik said.

Polling for the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha will be held on March 16 across 10 states to fill 37 seats, with the counting of votes scheduled for the same day at 5 pm.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"No question of cross-voting" sounds a bit too confident. With all these allegations of horse-trading from the BJD chief, it's hard to take such statements at face value. The timing of this 'familiarisation visit' is interesting, to say the least.
R
Rohit P
First-time MLAs should definitely be trained. Rajya Sabha voting is different from Vidhan Sabha. Better to practice than to make a silly mistake that could cost the party. Smart move by BJP.
N
Naveen S
All parties are doing their homework. Congress had a session, BJD had a meeting, BJP did a site visit. At least everyone is preparing properly. Hope the actual voting is as smooth and transparent.
A
Anjali F
The accusations are flying thick and fast! BJD says horse-trading, BJP says no cross-voting. Someone is not telling the full truth. As a citizen, I just want a fair election without any *dadagiri*.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the process from India. The preparation seems thorough. In many democracies, such internal party training is common but not always so public. The transparency here is commendable.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50