Even before the official notification for the Rajya Sabha elections, political circles in Odisha are abuzz with calculations over the four seats falling vacant in March.
With the BJP poised to comfortably secure two seats and the BJD one, the battle for the crucial fourth seat has triggered speculation of an opportunistic understanding between the Congress and the BJD.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das has openly expressed willingness to join hands with the BJD to field a common “eminent non-political personality” from the state, provided both parties agree. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Das said the two opposition parties together have enough votes to elect one candidate and prevent the BJP from clinching a third seat.
“Both BJD and Congress are opposition parties. If we come together, one candidate can win,” Das said, adding that mutual political trust between the two remains a concern. He, however, emphasised the larger goal of opposing the BJP, which he accused of failing both at the Centre and in the state.
Das revealed that he has sought time to meet BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik in the first week of February to discuss the possibility of supporting a distinguished Odia personality — a writer, poet, descendant of a freedom fighter, or someone who has dedicated their life to public service.
The current strength in the 147-member Odisha Assembly favours the BJP, which has 78 MLAs plus support from three independents, totalling 81-82 votes. The BJD has 48 (excluding two suspended members), while the Congress has 14 and the CPI(M) one, giving the non-BJP bloc around 63 votes.
BJP leaders reacted sharply to the Congress overture. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari mocked the idea, saying the Congress was “daydreaming” that Naveen Patnaik would support its candidate. He accused the BJD of often aligning with the Congress in the Assembly to corner the ruling party and alleged “match-fixing” between the two in past elections.
Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra hinted at possible surprises, saying, “In politics, nothing is impossible. Wait and watch — something or the other will happen by February 26.” He claimed the BJP was closely monitoring developments in rival camps.
Political observers see the Rajya Sabha contest as an early test of organisational strength ahead of the panchayat and urban local body elections, with the fourth seat likely to witness intense behind-the-scenes manoeuvring.
