Bhubaneswar: In a significant political shift, the results of the biennial Rajya Sabha elections held on March 16, 2026, have altered the representation of Odisha in the Upper House. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its backed independent candidate secured three of the four vacant seats, while the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) managed to win one.
The successful candidates are Shri Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar from the BJP, and Shri Santrupta Mishra from the BJD. Additionally, hotelier and former Union Minister Shri Dilip Ray, who contested as a BJP-backed Independent, emerged victorious after a high-stakes battle for the fourth seat.
The election was marked by intense political drama and allegations of cross-voting. Reports indicate that at least eight BJD legislators voted in favor of Shri Dilip Ray, facilitating his victory. This outcome has been viewed as a major setback for the Biju Janata Dal and the combined opposition, including the Congress and CPI(M), who had supported Dr. Datteswar Hota as their common candidate for the final seat.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the winning candidates, noting that the results reflect the changing political landscape in the state. Meanwhile, the BJD raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha earlier in the day, alleging procedural irregularities and seeking a repoll, though the results were eventually finalized. These four newly elected members will begin their terms in April 2026, replacing outgoing members whose terms are scheduled to end.