BJP's Rajya Sabha Strategy in Odisha Intensifies as CM Majhi Meets Nitin Nabin
BJP's Rajya Sabha Strategy in Odisha Intensifies

BJP's Rajya Sabha Strategy in Odisha Intensifies as CM Majhi Meets Nitin Nabin

Speculation over the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Rajya Sabha selections from Odisha reached a fever pitch on Friday following a crucial meeting between Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and party national president Nitin Nabin in New Delhi. This high-level discussion has fueled intense political buzz, with insiders suggesting that the BJP chief himself might be fielded as a candidate from the state.

Strategic Discussions and Development Focus

Chief Minister Majhi took to social media platform X to share insights from the meeting, emphasizing their productive nature. "Held productive discussions on strengthening organisational coordination and accelerating development initiatives in Odisha. Reaffirmed our shared commitment to good governance, inclusive growth, and the welfare of the people of our state," Majhi posted. This statement underscores the BJP's dual focus on political strategy and developmental agendas in the region.

Numbers Game and Seat Allocation

With four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha falling vacant, political calculations are in full swing. Sources indicate that the BJP, leveraging its current strength in the state assembly, plans to secure at least two seats. The strategy involves:

  • Sending one central leader from Odisha for a seat where the party has clear numerical advantage.
  • Fielding one state BJP leader for another seat with assured numbers.
  • For a third seat requiring additional support, the BJP may nominate an eminent personality acceptable to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and opposition chief Naveen Patnaik.

This potential arrangement with the BJD is considered feasible due to historical precedents, where the BJD has supported BJP candidates twice in the past when it possessed the necessary numbers.

BJD's Preparations and Internal Meetings

The BJD, as the principal opposition party with 50 MLAs, is poised to comfortably secure at least one Rajya Sabha seat. Ahead of finalizing its nominees, BJD president Naveen Patnaik convened a meeting of party MLAs at his residence on Friday. Notably, all 48 MLAs were invited, excluding the two suspended members, Sanatan Mahakud and Arvind Mohapatra.

Senior MLA and former minister Arun Sahoo clarified that the meeting focused on organisational matters rather than Rajya Sabha discussions. "The discussion was on organisational matters. The party chief will take an appropriate decision on the Rajya Sabha issue soon. The names will be announced well before the last date of nominations on March 5," Sahoo stated. The BJD has already procured six sets of nomination papers, and Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to chair another MLA meeting on Saturday, indicating ongoing deliberations.

Congress's Proposal and Strategic Moves

Meanwhile, state Congress president Bhakta Charan Das proposed a collaborative approach, suggesting that the BJD join forces with his party for one seat to elect an eminent personality from Odisha as an Independent member. The Congress, with 14 MLAs—16 short of the required quota—has collected three sets of nomination papers.

Das, who departed for Delhi to discuss the party's strategy for the upcoming poll, remarked, "I will discuss our strategy with the party high command." This move highlights the Congress's efforts to maximize its influence despite numerical limitations.

Political Implications and Upcoming Deadlines

The political maneuvering in Odisha reflects broader strategic calculations ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. Key points to note include:

  1. The BJP's potential to field a high-profile candidate like Nitin Nabin could signal a strengthened focus on Odisha.
  2. The BJD's history of cross-party support adds a layer of complexity to seat negotiations.
  3. The Congress's outreach for collaboration underscores the competitive yet cooperative nature of state politics.

With the nomination deadline set for March 5, all parties are racing against time to finalize their candidates and alliances. The outcomes will not only shape Odisha's representation in the upper house but also influence the state's political dynamics in the coming months.