Bhubaneswar: In the 147-member Odisha Legislative Assembly, the current party-wise distribution plays a decisive role in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
The Treasury Bench led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently holds a majority with 78 seats and has the support of 3 independent MLAs, bringing its effective strength to 81.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which serves as the main opposition, has seen its effective strength in the house reduced. While the party originally held 51 seats, it recently suspended two of its MLAs, Arvind Mohapatra from Patkura and Sanatan Mahakud from Champua, for alleged anti-party activities.
These members remained seated in the house during the Governor’s address on February 17 while other BJD and Congress members staged a walkout. This internal rift has brought the BJD’s active count down to 48.
The Indian National Congress (INC) holds 14 seats. Other representatives include one member from the CPI(M) and two additional independent MLAs.
Under the proportional representation system, a candidate from Odisha typically requires the first-preference votes of 31 MLAs to secure a seat in the Rajya Sabha. Given this math, the BJP can comfortably win two seats on its own, and the BJD can secure one seat.
The contest for the fourth seat is expected to be the focal point of political activity. The BJP has expressed confidence in winning three out of the four vacancies, which would require securing extra support beyond its current 81 votes.
The suspension of the two BJD members and their presence in the house during the recent session has fueled speculation that they will not follow the BJD party line.
Meanwhile, reports suggest the Congress tried to reach out to the BJD to field a combined or independent candidate to challenge the BJP’s attempt at a third seat. However, BJD Supremo was cold to the Congress request.
Now all eyes are on BJD Boss Shri Naveen Patnaik. His decision also makes the upcoming March 16 poll an interesting one.
This Upper House election will be a significant test of floor management for all major parties in the state.