The political atmosphere in Odisha has become very heated regarding the Rajya Sabha elections. The political stir has intensified after the news of cross-voting of Congress MLAs came to light during the voting. Odisha Pradesh Congress President Bhakta Charan Das has given information about this entire matter. Das said, ‘Three MLAs voted in favor of the BJP supported candidate. Their names are Ramesh Jaina, Dasartho Gomago and Sophia Firdous. He said, I had told all the things in a press conference, and then Sofia. I was thinking that Sophia is very scholar and will look after her future, meanwhile she made many statements, which I ignored. We also removed him from the limelight, so that his future is not affected. She has been doing a secular politics. There is no personality like him in the minority community. There is a good future for the team and for himself. We were trusting his father even after taking action against him.
‘Talked on phone twice’
Bhakta Charan Das said, ‘Yesterday also he spoke to me. This morning also we talked on phone twice. He asked me where I should come. We talked twice. I had asked her to come to my office, she came and went, but the vote she showed me..! We did not take these people to Bengaluru because the Legislative Assembly session was going on. Our senior leader Tara Prasad also did not go. People who speak in the Legislative Assembly are vocal people, Sophia was also vocal, Tara Babu is also a senior leader, her health is also bad, we did not want to spoil her health by taking her. Ramesh Jena also told us yes. Aaka came to my house and said yes in front of the media. I didn’t believe all the people who told me that Ramesh Jena could do this. The land holdings of the Congress Party were completely abolished.
Meanwhile, voting for the Rajya Sabha elections is going on in chamber number 54 of the Assembly and around 100 MLAs have already cast their votes.
related news
Five candidates are in the fray
A total of five candidates are in the fray for four Rajya Sabha seats from the state. BJP has made Manmohan Samal and Sujit Kumar its candidates. Satrat Mishra is contesting the elections from BJD. Whereas independent candidate Dilip Rai has got the support of BJP. On the other hand, Dr. Datteshwar Hota is the joint candidate of BJD and Congress, who is also supported by the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
What are the rules?
According to election rules, it is mandatory for MLAs to show their marked ballot paper to their party agent after casting their vote, otherwise their vote may be invalid. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singhdev and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan have been made agents on behalf of BJP. BJD’s agent is Pratap Keshari Dev, while Congress’ agent is being handled by Bhakta Charan Das.
Overall, allegations of cross voting and controversies during voting have made the Rajya Sabha elections of Odisha very interesting and tense. Now everyone’s eyes are fixed on the election results and further political strategies.
—- End —-
