New Delhi: History appeared to repeat itself in Odisha’s political arena as BJP-backed independent candidate Dilip Ray clinched a dramatic victory in the Rajya Sabha elections, riding on alleged cross-voting from Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLAs that sparked uproar and accusations of horse-trading.
Voting for four seats took place on Monday at the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The BJP securing two seats through its official candidates: state president Manmohan Samal and former BJD leader Sujit Kumar. BJD’s Santrupt Mishra comfortably won one seat, while the real battle unfolded for the fourth, pitting Dilip Ray against Dr Datteswar Hota, who enjoyed support from the BJD, Congress and CPI(M).
Ray, a former Union minister and hotelier with a storied past — including a surprise win as an independent in 2002 after expulsion from BJD — emerged victorious, thanks to cross-votes that tilted the scales. BJD Deputy Chief Whip Pratap Kesari Deb alleged that eight BJD MLAs, including six active and two suspended members, had voted for Ray. Two BJD MLAs, Devi Ranjan Tripathi and Souvik Biswal, publicly admitted to cross-voting.
BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed outrage, stating, “Those who cross-vote have criminal records. Even their parents have been jailed before. I feel ashamed to say this.” He accused the BJP of influencing MLAs through various means and pointed to irregularities, including one MLA receiving a second ballot paper.
The outcome dealt a blow to the Opposition alliance, heightening tensions between BJD and BJP amid claims of procedural violations and inducements. Ray’s triumph echoes his 2002 feat and signals shifting loyalties in Odisha’s assembly. This could reshape future political strategies in the state.