Odisha CM Majhi Hails BJP's Rajya Sabha Sweep Amid BJD "Horse Trading" Claims

In a post on X, Majhi extended his greetings to the party's state president Manmohan Samal, Sujeet Kumar and BJP-supported Independent candidate Dilip Ray on their election to the Upper House. He added that, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," he wished the newly elected members success in their journey ahead.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our party's State President Manmohan Samal, senior leader Sujeet Ray and party supported Independent candidate Dilip Ray on being elected to the Rajya Sabha. This victory is an important milestone in our collective resolve to build a Samruddha Odisha. Their presence in the Upper House will further strengthen Odisha's voice for the state's interests, development, and public service at the national level. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," I wish them great success in their journey ahead," Majhi wrote on 'X'.

Speaking to reporters later, the Chief Minister described the day as a memorable one for the state, noting that all three candidates supported by the BJP secured victory in the Rajya Sabha elections. He expressed confidence that the newly elected members would contribute significantly to the state's progress and help in making Odisha a prosperous state.

"This is a memorable day for the state of Odisha. Three candidates fielded by us won in the Rajya Sabha elections today. BJP candidates Manmohan Samal, Sujeet Kumar and our BJP-supported candidate, Dilip Ray, won with overwhelming margins. All the legislators, whether from the Congress party or the BJD, voted for all three candidates with overwhelming votes to advance Odisha's development. Certainly, they will contribute significantly to making Odisha a prosperous state," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, BJD MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra alleged the BJP of "horse trading", asserting that eight of his party MLAs cross voted in favour of the BJP candidate.

The Returning Officer for the Rajya Sabha elections has officially declared the winning candidates. From the Bharatiya Janata Party, Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar have been elected, while Independent candidate Dilip Ray and Santrup Mishra of the Biju Janata Dal have also secured victory. The Returning Officer handed over the certificates to the newly elected members at the Assembly.

"Today in the Rajya Sabha election, there were two candidates for the fourth seat... I think BJP has done horse-trading here and influenced people in the wrong way. They have refuted the process of democracy... All the 8 BJD MLAs have cross voted. I believe that our Party President Naveen Patnaik would take this matter seriously. We will take action against the cross voters," the BJD MLA told ANI.

The joint candidate of the Biju Janata Dal and the Indian National Congress, Dutteshwar Hota, lost the election to the Independent candidate Dilip Ray.

- ANI