Odisha Rajya Sabha Polls: No Pressure Over Seat-Sharing, Claims BJD

Bhubaneswar: With the Election Commission of India (ECI) announcing the schedule for Rajya Sabha polls, the ruling BJD on Tuesday said that it was not under any pressure over seat sharing for the Upper House.

“We are not under any pressure over seat-sharing for the ensuing elections. The high command will take a call on this matter for the interest of the party,” government chief whip Pramila Mallick told the media here.

Echoing this, BJD spokesperson Samir Ranjan Dash said the selection of candidates will be done by the Chief Minister.

On the other hand, the leader of the Congress Legislature Party, Narasingha Mishra, said his party cannot think of contesting the polls as it has few members in the Assembly. “But the party can nominate its candidate with the support of the Left party. The party supremo will take a decision this regard,” he added.

To a question on the BJP candidature, Mishra said the saffron party will get as many seats it wants by putting pressure on the BJD.

Leader of the Opposition Pradipta Nayak said that the BJP will contest the Rajya Sabha polls though it has fewer members in the State Assembly. The Central leaders will take a call on the selection of the candidate, he pointed out.