Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has issued a strict three-line whip to all its MLAs in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, directing them to remain present in Bhubaneswar and ensure full attendance for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16.
The whip, issued by Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, mandates that party legislators must not leave the state capital from March 13 to March 16 without prior permission. This measure aims to prevent any last-minute absences or cross-voting, which could impact the outcome in the fiercely contested polls for four seats from Odisha.
With five candidates in the fray—including BJD’s Santrupt Misra and common candidate Dr. Datteswar Hota (supported by BJD, Congress, and CPI(M)), BJP’s Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar, and Independent Dilip Ray backed by BJP—the election is poised for a rare contest after over a decade of uncontested wins.
The BJD, holding a significant bloc of seats, is focused on securing at least one seat comfortably while pushing for the common candidate.
Voting will take place in the Assembly premises from 9 AM to 4 PM on March 16, with counting commencing at 5 PM the same day. The BJD leadership has reiterated that all MLAs must adhere strictly to the directive to safeguard the party’s interests in the Upper House.
