Will Mamata Mahanta Again Go To Rajya Sabha From Odisha?

Bhubaneswar: Mamata Mahanta has quit the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as well as Rajya Sabha and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Now, the question arises as to who will fill the vacant seat in the Upper House of Parliament from Odisha. Will Mamata be repeated? One needs to conduct a thorough analysis of BJP’s political strategy to find an answer. All eyes are not set to know the next move of the BJP after prominent Kudumi leader Mamata Mahanta’s resignation from Rajya Sabha. While the strength of BJD has come down from nine to eight following Mamata’s exit, the vacant seat is set to be bagged by the BJP because of its number in the state Assembly. While names of several leaders are being discussed for filling the vacant RS seat, observers are of the view that the BJP may repeat Mamata in view of the political scenario.

Why Mamata Again?

Mamata left Rajya Sabha and BJD alleging neglect by Naveen Patnaik-led regional party and then joined the BJP. The BJD has sent Mamata, a prominent leader of Kudumi community, to Rajya Sabha in 2020 taking into consideration the political configurations in tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district. However, after Mamata accused the BJD of having sidelined her, Kudumi community is likely to lose its faith and trust in the regional party. Under the circumstances, the BJP will also face similar allegation if it does not send Mamata to Rajya Sabha again. It will be clear that the saffron party is simply trying to divide the BJD by using Mamata. The BJP will be able to win the trust of Kudumi community as well as Mamata if it sends her again to Rajya Sabha. It will give a positive message.

Big Message In Mamata’s Repeat

After the exit of Mamata from the BJD, a few other MPs may also be pulled out of the regional party by the BJP. Speculations are rife that two to three BJD MPs have already been in touch with the saffron camp. However, they will like to be assured of a bright future if they join the BJP. Such a guarantee can be provided if the BJP sends Mamata again to Rajya Sabha. BJP-led NDA now lacks majority in Rajya Sabha and the saffron party may import leaders not only from BJD but from other political parties also. The saffron party will be able to cite Mamata’s example to strike deals with MPs of other political parties.

BJP Move For Rajya Sabha

Though NDA enjoys majority in Lok Sabha, the BJP-led combine does not have the required number to touch the half-way mark. As there are 225 members in Rajya Sabha at present, the support of 113 MPs is required for a majority. However, BJP has 86 members in the Upper House and the number reaches 101 together with the MPs of its allies. NDA is also getting support from an independent and seven other MPs. However, the total number comes to 109 and the support of four more members is required. Therefore, BJP is likely to focus on importing MPs from other political parties and BJD is likely to be its first choice. In order to attract others, the saffron party may repeat Mamata.

Is Manmohan Samal In Race?

While several names are being discussed for filling the vacant Rajya Sabha seat, BJP state president Manmohan Samal is said to be ahead in the race. The credit for leading the BJP to an impressive victory in the recent elections also goes to him. As he lost in the elections, Samal failed to be a part of the government formed by the BJP for the first time in Odisha. Therefore, observers feel that the party may reward him by sending him to Rajya Sabha. However, only 18 months are left for Mamata’s six-year RS term and the party may not send Samal to the Upper House for such a small period. Under the prevailing situation, Mamata may be considered the best bet by BJP as it will be able to achieve many goals with one strike. Apart from further strengthening its base in Mayurbhanj, the saffron party will seek to woo leaders from other political outfits.