Bhubaneswar: With Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha nearing, major political parties have started gearing up and making statements about possible tie ups, new configurations, and equations.
Amid speculations about a possible understanding between Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have hinted at big political games for the polls.
Political landscape in the state is slowly heating up as the Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the process by writing to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha to start preparations for Rajya Sabha polls.
Notably, four Rajya Sabha members from Odisha, namely Niranjan Bisi and Munna Khan from BJD, and Sujeet Kumar and Mamata Mohanta from BJP, are set to retire on April 2.
In a fresh development, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das said on Wednesday that he is expected to meet BJD president Naveen Patnaik in the first week of February. Das has sought an appointment with Naveen, and the proposed meeting is likely to focus on exploring a political tie up between the two parties.
As per sources, the PCC chief may propose the idea of fielding a joint candidate for the Rajya Sabha polls as part of efforts to build opposition unity against the ruling BJP. Das has indicated that discussions could revolve around jointly supporting a distinguished personality from Odisha for the Upper House.
However, it remains uncertain whether the BJD would extend its support to such a proposal. It is also not certain whether Naveen would show willingness to hold a meeting with the Congress leader.
“Congress and BJD are opposition parties. If we unite, a candidate can win. Though we are not sure whether they (BJD) would join hands with us, I have sought his (Naveen Patnaik’s) time for a meeting to discuss the matter,” said Das.
While four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha are set to fall vacant, the fourth seat has emerged as the focal point of political speculation. There has been a wide range of speculations over possible alignments.
At a time when the political moves of both BJD and Congress are being closely watched, senior BJP leader and Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Wednesday came out with a significant statement, saying that nothing is impossible in politics and unexpected moves can unfold anytime.
“Nobody knows what is going to happen. Major games and moves cannot be predicted and we have to wait and watch. Nothing is impossible in politics,” he told the media.
Stating that BJP is paying keen attention to all angles, Patra said the lotus party is watching the happenings in other political parties. “We are keeping a watch on people meeting our leaders. We know who all are joining various get-togethers. New equations and alignments are very much possible in 2026,” the Minister said.
In another significant remark, senior BJP leader and Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said that those contesting elections always seek votes from others.
Stating that BJP may seek support from others wanting to extend help, Pujari said it is up to Naveen Patnaik to decide whether BJD will be ready to support the ruling party.
