A delegation of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today met the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, and submitted a detailed memorandum seeking urgent intervention into the alleged illegal issuance of second ballot papers during the Rajya Sabha Elections 2026.
The BJD delegation comprised Prasanna Acharya, Pramila Mallik, Pratap Deb, Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo, and Dr. Sasmit Patra. The delegation raised serious concerns regarding the issuance of second ballot papers to Upasana Mohapatra, MLA from Brahmagiri, and Purna Chandra Sethy, MLA from Khallikote, after the original ballot papers had already been marked during polling on 16 March 2026.
The memorandum highlighted that contemporaneous objections were repeatedly raised during the polling and counting proceedings by candidates, polling agents, election agents, counting agents and authorised representatives of the BJD. Written complaints were submitted before the Returning Officer in the presence of the Election Commission Observer, thereby making the objections part of the official electoral record.
The delegation contended that the issuance of second ballot papers violated Rule 41 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, which permits the issuance of a fresh ballot paper only when the original ballot paper becomes incapable of convenient use. The BJD maintained that the provision cannot be used to allow correction, reconsideration, or replacement of an already marked vote.
The memorandum further stated that the matter is supported by substantial contemporaneous documentary and audiovisual evidence, including CCTV footage, official videography, photographs, polling records, counting records and written objections submitted during the election process. The delegation urged the Chief Electoral Officer to reject the disputed votes cast in favour of Rajya Sabha candidate Shri Dillip Ray and to declare Dr Datteswar Hota elected based on valid first preference votes. The delegation also demanded an independent and transparent inquiry into the issuance of the second ballot papers, preservation and examination of all election-related records and observer reports and consequential legal action in accordance with the law.
The Biju Janata Dal reiterated that the issue concerns the sanctity, legality, and integrity of the electoral process and called upon the Election Commission authorities to ensure strict adherence to the constitutional and statutory provisions governing elections.
