BJD and Congress Forge Historic Alliance for Rajya Sabha Seat in Odisha
In a remarkable political crossover for Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) – a party historically founded on an anti-Congress platform – and the Indian National Congress have reached an unprecedented understanding over a Rajya Sabha seat. This development marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, with both parties setting aside traditional rivalries for this strategic move.
Unprecedented Political Understanding
On Saturday, BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the party's nominees for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. He named corporate leader-turned-politician Santrupt Misra and former Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS) vice-chancellor Dr. Datteswar Hota as the party's candidates. While elections will be held for four seats, the BJP has sufficient numbers to secure two seats, and the BJD is comfortably positioned to win Misra's seat.
The groundbreaking development came when the Congress announced its support for Dr. Hota, reinforcing Naveen Patnaik's appeal to back him as a "common candidate" for the fourth seat. Naveen specifically projected Hota as the consensus choice, creating an unusual political alliance between two traditionally opposing parties.
The Consensus Candidate: Dr. Datteswar Hota
Dr. Datteswar Hota brings substantial medical credentials to the political arena. A noted urologist, he served as the first vice-chancellor of the Odisha University of Health Sciences and previously held the position of principal at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. His professional legacy includes initiating the kidney transplant programme at SCB Medical College, demonstrating his significant contributions to healthcare in Odisha.
Minutes after Naveen Patnaik's announcement, state Congress chief Bhakta Charan Das revealed that he had met with the BJD president on Monday and proposed several apolitical eminent personalities acceptable to the Congress – with Hota being one of them. "We will fully support him. This will send a positive signal across the state and help prevent horse-trading," Das stated emphatically.
Political Calculations and Concerns
Das confirmed that the Congress high command was aware of the discussions and that Dr. Hota had also met with him regarding the matter. However, the Congress leader expressed one significant concern – possible pressure on the candidate. "He must withstand any pressure and stay in the fray. We will deliberate on the matter on March 2," Das cautioned, indicating that while support was pledged, conditions remained.
This alliance represents a notable departure from previous political alignments. While the BJD had supported BJP nominee Ashwini Vaishnaw in both 2019 and 2024 Rajya Sabha elections, this marks the first time Naveen Patnaik has reached an understanding with the Congress for a seat in the Upper House of Parliament.
Electoral Mathematics and Prospects
The electoral mathematics strongly favors both candidates. Each Rajya Sabha candidate requires 30 first-preference votes to secure election. The BJD currently has 48 MLAs (excluding two suspended members), while the Congress has 14 legislators, giving them a combined strength of 62 votes – two more than the required threshold. If BJD and Congress MLAs vote along party lines, the election of both Misra and Hota should proceed smoothly.
Santrupt Misra's nomination was widely anticipated in political circles. A former senior executive with the Aditya Birla Group, he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Cuttack as a BJD candidate, though unsuccessfully. He currently serves as Naveen Patnaik's political secretary and also holds the position of BJD's national spokesperson, making him a prominent figure within the party hierarchy.
Broader Political Implications
This unexpected alliance between the BJD and Congress carries significant implications for Odisha's political future. The move demonstrates pragmatic political calculations that transcend traditional party lines, potentially signaling new approaches to governance and parliamentary representation. The selection of Dr. Hota, with his distinguished medical background, suggests an emphasis on expertise and non-partisan credentials in legislative appointments.
Political analysts will be closely watching how this alliance develops, particularly whether it represents a one-time arrangement or signals a broader realignment in Odisha politics. The March 2 deliberation mentioned by Congress leader Bhakta Charan Das will be particularly crucial in determining the stability of this unprecedented political understanding.
