High-Stakes Battle: Rajya Sabha Elections Back After 12 Years in Odisha

Five candidates remain in the contest for four Rajya Sabha seats in Odisha, marking the first election with voting in 12 years. BJP fields two candidates, including Independent support, while BJD backs two of its own. Voting occurs on March 16 and results are expected the same day.

The Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha are set to witness a contest after a 12-year hiatus, as five candidates vie for four available seats.

On the final day for withdrawal of nominations, none stepped back, solidifying the competitors: Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar from the BJP, Santrupt Misra and Datteswar Hota of the BJD, and Independent Dilip Ray.

With voting scheduled for March 16, the political maneuvering intensifies as parties prepare, amid allegations of potential cross-voting and 'horse trading', in an election landscape shaped by current assembly dynamics.