Key Political Meetings by BJP and Congress Ahead of Odisha Rajya Sabha Elections
Synopsis
As the Rajya Sabha elections approach, the BJP plans to nominate three candidates while Congress holds strategic discussions. Key leaders from both parties are preparing for an intense political battle.
Key Takeaways
BJP plans to field three candidates for Rajya Sabha elections .
Congress is strategizing through high-level meetings.
Key leaders from both parties are actively involved.
Datteswar Hota seeks support from Congress legislators.
The elections are crucial due to upcoming retirements on April 2 .
Bhubaneswar, March 2 (NationPress) The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to nominate three candidates for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
After a significant meeting involving party MLAs on Monday, a high-ranking official revealed to the media that the BJP intends to contest for three Rajya Sabha seats.
The official mentioned that the party’s Central leadership would soon disclose the names of the candidates. During the meeting, all party MLAs were instructed to be present when nominations are filed on March 5.
Among those present were Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, and Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal, alongside various senior party figures.
In parallel, a vital meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) took place on Monday at a hotel near Congress Bhawan in Bhubaneswar to strategize for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
This meeting was 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 involved in the discussions.
Additionally, Dr. Datteswar Hota, the common candidate supported by the BJD for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat, attended the meeting in hopes of garnering support from Congress legislators.
Dr. Hota expressed to reporters that he has formally asked Congress leadership to back his candidacy.
"We have put forth our request to the Congress leaders. We uphold democratic principles and have urged them to make a thoughtful decision. A comprehensive report outlining our viewpoints and expectations will be shared," he stated.
In response to Dr. Hota's formal request for Congress party support, OPCC president Das indicated that the subject would be submitted to the party’s central leadership for a conclusive decision.
"This matter will be deliberated and communicated to the high command. Following consultations with our MLAs and senior leaders, an appropriate decision will be reached," he confirmed.
With the retirement of four Rajya Sabha members from Odisha set for April 2, elections have become necessary. The outgoing members include Niranjan Bishi and Munna Khan from BJD, along with Sujeet Kumar and Mamata Mohanta of the ruling BJP.
Point of View
The ongoing meetings represent a critical phase in Odisha's political landscape, as both major parties strategize for upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The BJP's intent to field candidates and Congress's tactical discussions signal a robust electoral contest.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BJP's strategy for the Rajya Sabha elections?
The BJP plans to nominate three candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha.
Who attended the BJP meeting?
Key figures such as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida were present at the BJP meeting.
What is Congress doing in response to the elections?
Congress held a meeting to strategize for the Rajya Sabha elections, with significant participation from its leadership.
Who is the BJD-backed candidate for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat?
Dr. Datteswar Hota is the common candidate supported by BJD for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat.
When is the Rajya Sabha election scheduled?
The elections are necessitated by the retirement of four members on April 2.
