Dramatic Cross-Voting in Odisha: BJP Triumphs in Rajya Sabha Polls

In a surprising turn at the Rajya Sabha biennial elections, the BJP secured two seats while a BJD candidate and a BJP-backed Independent each captured one seat from Odisha. The elections saw cross-voting among opposition MLAs, echoing historical patterns of BJP's strategic wins in Odisha politics.

The BJP has made significant gains in the Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha, clinching two out of four available seats. The remaining seats were divided between a BJD candidate and a BJP-backed Independent. All 147 assembly members participated in the vote, with the elections marked by cross-voting.

BJP's Odisha unit president Manmohan Samal and MP Sujeet Kumar emerged triumphant, each securing 35 votes. BJD's Santrupt Misra and BJP-backed Independent Dilip Ray completed the list of winners. Ray's second-preference votes edged him past Datteswar Hota, despite both initially having the same number of first-preference votes.

The election saw unexpected support for BJP with 11 additional first-preference votes from opposition members, leading to a total of 93 votes. This event highlights political dynamics in Odisha, recalling the historical 2002 elections where similar trends of cross-voting favored the BJP.

(With inputs from agencies.)