Argus News - Dilip Ray’s Independent Bid Upsets Rajya Sabha Math in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Mar 3: The Rajya Sabha elections are heading into a dramatic phase after former Union Minister and veteran leader Dilip Ray announced his candidature as an independent for the fourth seat from Odisha. The move shook up the arithmetic that initially favoured BJD’s common candidate Dr. Datteswar Hota.

Ray, confident of victory, revealed that he has already held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and State BJP President Manmohan Samal.

“I am confident of winning. I have held discussions with the Union Home Minister, Odisha CM, and State BJP President. I will also talk to Congress and BJD members and seek everyone’s cooperation,” stated Ray.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Congratulates BJP’s Rajya Sabha Candidates From Odisha

When asked how he would secure the additional eight votes needed, Ray responded: “In 2002, I had to arrange 30 votes, and I managed it. Now only eight are required. I have good relations with everyone, and I will meet them personally to seek their support.”

The Equation of 4th Seat

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik had earlier announced Dr. Datteswar Hota as the common candidate, with Congress extending support. Based on numbers, Hota appeared poised to secure the fourth seat. However, Ray’s entry, backed by signals from the BJP camp, has transformed the contest into a high-voltage face-off. Cross-voting possibilities have now become a decisive factor.

Congress itself appears divided. In a recent legislative party meeting, two MLAs - Ramesh Jena and Sofia Firdous - were absent, while some questioned the party’s support for Hota. Later, after a closed-door meeting between Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das and Ramesh Jena, the latter changed his stance, adding to the intrigue.

Past Controversy

Hota, meanwhile, faces controversy over his past record. As head of the Urology Department at SCB Medical College, he was accused of forcing PG students to work at his private clinic and even at his residence. Ten students had lodged complaints, leading to a High Court directive removing him from examination duties. These allegations have resurfaced, casting a shadow over his candidature.

BJP Support for Ray

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has openly backed Dilip Ray, calling him an experienced and intelligent leader. “Our party has announced support for him. He has the ability to win independently. I am confident he will succeed,” CM Majhi said.

He also reiterated BJP’s strength, highlighting that Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar have already been nominated for Rajya Sabha, with the party enjoying clear majority support from 79 MLAs and three independents.

As the election nears, Odisha’s political landscape is bracing for a fierce contest. With Ray’s independent bid and Hota’s controversies, the fourth Rajya Sabha seat has become the most closely watched battle.