Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to initiate immediate statutory action over the alleged issuance of second ballot papers to two BJP MLAs during the Rajya Sabha elections 2026, and sought an appointment with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Acting on the direction of party president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, BJD MP Sasmit Patra wrote to the poll panel, flagging that objections were raised during polling on March 16 regarding the issuance of second ballot papers to BJP legislators Upasana Mohapatra and Purna Chandra Sethy.
In his letter, Patra stated that despite on-the-spot objections and subsequent communication by the party leadership, the ECI has not issued any clarification or action taken report so far. He added that the matter had already been formally taken up through an email sent by Patnaik on March 18.
The BJD alleged that the issuance of a second ballot paper after a vote had already been cast violates the provisions of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, which allow a replacement ballot only under the prescribed “spoilt ballot” procedure.
Calling the alleged deviation a serious breach, the party said it undermines ballot accounting, voter intent, and the integrity of the electoral process. It further argued that in a Rajya Sabha election, where the electoral college is limited, such irregularities could materially influence the outcome.
The BJD has demanded a time-bound, independent and transparent inquiry into the matter, along with preservation and examination of all relevant records, including ballot paper accounts, video footage and observer reports. It also urged the Commission to take action in accordance with law on votes cast using allegedly invalid second ballot papers.
The party has requested the ECI to schedule an early meeting with a BJD delegation to present its case in detail, describing the issue as a matter concerning the enforcement of the rule of law in elections.
