BJD-Congress Alliance Fields Common Candidate in Odisha Rajya Sabha Polls Amid BJP Opposition

In the March 16 Rajya Sabha polls in Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress have formed an unprecedented alliance to field a common candidate, Dr. Datteswar Hota, for the fourth seat, which neither party can secure alone. The BJP, with a majority of MLAs, is expected to win two seats, while BJD aims for one. Independent candidate Dilip Ray, backed by BJP, claims support across parties but faces skepticism due to new open ballot rules limiting cross-voting. The contest highlights shifting political dynamics and debates over Biju Patnaik's legacy.