Bhubaneswar: In a bid to prevent cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Supremo Naveen Patnaik has written to party MLAs, urging them to attend crucial meetings and training sessions from March 13 to 15.
In the letter, BJD MLAs have been asked to attend a presentation on Rajya Sabha polls procedure at Naveen Niwas on March 13, between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. This is part of the party’s efforts to ensure its MLAs are well-versed with the election process.
On March 14, Patnaik has directed MLAs to attend a training programme on rules and procedures for Rajya Sabha elections at Naveen Niwas, between 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Additionally, a BJD Legislature Party meeting has been scheduled for March 16, between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, at Naveen Niwas. And MLAs have been asked to remain present in the Legislature meeting.
The move comes amidst fears of cross-voting, with parties vying for a strong showing in the Rajya Sabha polls.
In the meantime, the Congress party has shifted its MLAs to Bengaluru in a move widely seen as part of ‘resort politics’ to keep its legislators together amid fears of cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha election in Odisha.
According to sources, the group includes MLAs Mangu Khila, Appala Swamy, Rajan Ekka and Ashok Kumar. The party’s Odisha chief and former MP Bhakta Charan Das and spokesperson Durga Prasad Panda are also part of the delegation.
