Patnaik’s Cong Tilt Seen As Bid To Halt BJP In Rajya Sabha Poll

Odisha politics is now witnessing a rare twist with BJD joining hands with Congress, CPI(M) to block BJP in forthcoming Rajya Sabha polls. Political observers say the chess board for the forthcoming Odisha Rajya Sabha election battle is almost getting ready. Sources say, this week’s joint appearance of BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik with Congress and CPI(M) leaders, signals a potential shift in BJD and Odisha’s political alignment beyond forthcoming Rajya Sabha polls. The speculation so far is BJP’s Odisha state President Manmohon Samal will make it to Rajya Sabha and so too BJP’s sitting Rajya Sabha MP Surjeet Kumar. Similarly, BJD’s Santrupt Misra who has declared Rs 595 crore assets is also expected to have a smooth sailing. The fight between BJD-Congress candidate Dr Datteswar Hota against Dilip Ray a hotelier turned politician is getting intense. Ray had earlier worked under three Prime Ministers including handling the portfolio of Union Minister of Steel, Coal & Parliamentary Affairs. Expressing confidence, Dilip Ray said he expects to win the contest despite not having the required magic number of 30 first-preference votes in his favour. The election is on March 16 and the results will be declared the same day.