Bhubaneswar, Mar 16: Dilip Ray expressed his joy and gratitude through a social media (X) post after his victory in the Odisha Rajya Sabha elections. “Deeply humbled and grateful. Today’s victory in the Rajya Sabha election from Odisha is not mine alone - it reflects the trust and goodwill shown by Hon’ble Members of the Legislative Assembly across political lines,” wrote the political leader.

“I sincerely thank the Hon’ble Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party for their steadfast support. I am equally grateful to the MLAs from the BJD, Congress, and the Independents who chose to extend their support. Such moments reflect the true strength of our democracy - where the larger interests of the people and the state bring everyone together,” he wrote further.

Deeply humbled and grateful.

Today’s victory in the Rajya Sabha election from Odisha is not mine alone — it reflects the trust and goodwill shown by Hon’ble Members of the Legislative Assembly across political lines.

I sincerely thank the Hon’ble Members of the Bharatiya Janata…

— Dilip ray (@DilipRayOdisha) March 16, 2026

“I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. In the Rajya Sabha, I will strive to represent the aspirations of the people of Odisha and work sincerely for the progress of our state and our nation. With folded hands, I thank everyone for the faith and trust placed in me. Jai Jagannath,” he concluded his post.

Earlier, the RS elections took an unexpected turn, with reports of significant cross-voting by legislators across party lines. According to our sources, as many as 11 MLAs defied party whips and voted against official instructions, sparking political controversy and heated debates.

Also read: Rajya Sabha Poll: Cross-Voting Fears Add Political Intrigue in Odisha

From the Congress party, three legislators - Dasarathi Gamang, Sofia Firdous, and Ramesh Jena - were identified as having cross-voted. Gamang, who had been missing for several days, surprised many by appearing at the Assembly to cast his vote. While he claimed to have voted as per party directives, reports suggest otherwise.

The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) faced even greater turmoil, with six of its MLAs allegedly cross-voting. Names such as Devi Ranjan Tripathy, Ramakanta Bhoi, Chakramani Kanhar, Souvic Biswal, Subasini Jena, and Naba Kishor Mallick have surfaced in connection with the incident.

Adding to the drama, two suspended BJD legislators - Sanatan Mahakud and Arvind Mohapatra - also reportedly voted against the party line.

Devi Ranjan Tripathy openly admitted to voting for Dilip Ray, citing his admiration for Biju Patnaik’s legacy. Similarly, Souvic Biswal acknowledged his decision, claiming it was an act of protest against the treatment meted out to his father, Prabhat Biswal, who was suspended from the party.

The cross-voting episode has triggered tensions between ruling and opposition parties, particularly surrounding MLA Naba Kishor Mallick, whose actions became a focal point of heated discussions.

The elections, held at the Odisha Legislative Assembly, concluded amid this political storm. The spotlight remains firmly on the cross-voting controversy, which has not only embarrassed party leadership but also reshaped the narrative of Odisha’s Rajya Sabha polls.