Bhubaneswar: In a surprising turn of events, hotelier and former Union Minister Dilip Ray, contesting as a BJP-backed independent, secured the fourth Rajya Sabha seat from Odisha on Monday. Ray described the win as “not mine alone — it reflects the trust and goodwill shown by Members of the Legislative Assembly across political lines.”
Ray defeated the BJD-Congress-CPI(M) alliance candidate, Dr. Datteswar Hota, in a result that came as a surprise to political observers.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ray extended his sincere thanks to BJP MLAs for their support and also acknowledged the backing of MLAs from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Congress, and independent members.
“The outcome reflects the true strength of our democracy, where the larger interests of the people and the state bring everyone together,” Ray said. He added that he accepts the responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty, pledging to represent the aspirations of the people of Odisha in the Rajya Sabha and work sincerely for the progress of the state and the nation.
Concluding his statement, Ray thanked all those who supported him and invoked a traditional Odisha salutation, saying, “Jai Jagannath.”
