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Congress MLA Backs BJD's "Pure Odiya" Rajya Sabha Candidate Datteswar Hota

Congress MLA Sagar Charan Das stated he has been instructed by his party leadership to support Biju Janata Dal's Rajya Sabha nominee, Dr Datteswar Hota, whom he praised as a "pure Odiya" and a renowned doctor with immense societal contributions. BJD president Naveen Patnaik announced two candidates, designating Hota as a "common candidate" and appealing for cross-party support. Patnaik expressed hope for both nominees' victory in the upcoming biennial elections. The Election Commission has scheduled elections to fill 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, with terms ending in April 2026.

Key Points: Congress MLA Supports BJD's Rajya Sabha Candidate in Odisha

  • Congress MLA instructed to back BJD candidate
  • Datteswar Hota declared a "common candidate"
  • Naveen Patnaik announces two Rajya Sabha nominees
  • Elections to fill 37 seats across 10 states
2 min read

Odisha: Congress MLA Sagar Charan Das backs BJD's nomination Datteswar Hota for Rajya Sabha

Congress MLA Sagar Charan Das to back BJD's Dr Datteswar Hota for Rajya Sabha following party instructions, as Naveen Patnaik announces candidates.

"It is a very good choice to support pure Odiya. - Sagar Charan Das"

Bhubaneswar, March 2

Congress MLA Sagar Charan Das on Sunday said the party leadership has instructed him to back Dr Datteswar Hota, one of the two Rajya Sabha candidates nominated by the Biju Janata Dal.

Speaking to ANI, Das highlighted the achivements of Hota, emphasing that it's a good choice to support "pure Odiya".

"This time, Congress is playing an important role. Datteswar Hota has been declared a common candidate because he is a renowned doctor from Odisha, and his contribution to the society of Odisha is immense. So it is a very good choice to support pure Odiya," he said.

"We will also support him because that is a clear instruction from our president and the AICC," the MLA added.

Earlier on Saturday, Naveen Patnaik, president of the Biju Janata Dal and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, on Saturday announced two candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Odisha, including one described as a "common candidate" seeking support from across party lines.

Addressing reporters, Patnaik announced Dr Santrupt Misra and Dr Datteswar Hota as the candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

"For the Rajya Sabha election, our party has decided to give two candidates. The first candidate for the third seat is Dr Santrupt Misra, a senior member from our party. The second candidate for the fourth seat is a common candidate, Dr Datteswar Hota, a renowned doctor from Odisha who was the first vice chancellor of the Odisha Health University and was also the principal of the SCB Medical College. Since he is a common candidate, I appeal to all the parties to support him and send him to the Rajya Sabha," Patnaik said.

When asked whether both nominees would secure victory, Patnaik said, "I am always hopeful."

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the upcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill the 37 seats across 10 states, as the members are set to complete their term in April 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
"Pure Odiya" comment is a bit concerning. We should support candidates based on merit and work, not on purity of regional identity. Dr. Hota seems qualified, but the reasoning should be about his contributions as a doctor and educator, not just his birthplace. 🤔
S
Suresh O
Good move! Odia asmita (pride) is important. We need strong voices from Odisha in the central government. Dr. Hota has served the state's health sector for decades. He deserves this. BJD and Congress coming together for a state's candidate is praiseworthy. Jai Jagannath! 🙏
A
Aman W
Clear instruction from AICC? So the Congress high command is okay with this? Looks like some understanding or seat-sharing talks might be happening behind the scenes before the big elections. Smart political strategy by Naveen Patnaik to get a "common candidate" through.
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Meera T
As someone from Cuttack, I remember Dr. Hota from SCB Medical College days. He was a respected figure. If his nomination brings focus to Odisha's healthcare needs in Parliament, then it's a good step. Hope he remains a doctor-politician and not just another politician.
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David E
Observing from outside, this seems like a very pragmatic approach. Supporting a qualified professional from the medical field for a legislative role, irrespective of party, could set a good precedent. The "common candidate" concept is interesting if it focuses on expertise over party loyalty.

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