Bhubaneswar: Dr Datteswar Hota, the eminent urologist and Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) nominee positioned as a “common candidate” for the Rajya Sabha elections from Odisha, met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi.
The meeting took place ahead of the biennial Rajya Sabha polls scheduled for March 16, 2026, where four seats from the state are up for grabs.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Charan Das was also present during the discussions. The encounter underscores the Congress party’s support for Dr. Hota, whom the BJD has fielded to secure cross-party backing, including from Congress and CPI(M), in a bid to strengthen his chances against BJP-supported Independent candidate and prominent businessman Dilip Ray.
Dr. Hota, a respected medical professional and former principal of SCB Medical College, has already filed his nomination alongside BJD’s other candidate, Santrupt Misra. Naveen Patnaik, BJD president, has appealed for widespread support to ensure Dr. Hota’s successful entry into the Upper House, highlighting his contributions beyond party lines in Odisha’s healthcare and society.
