Bhubaneswar, March 11:  The political tension in Odisha is escalating as accusations of 'horse trading' surface just days ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16. BJD president Naveen Patnaik has leveled serious allegations against the ruling BJP, accusing them of resorting to unethical tactics to lure MLAs in a bid to secure seats.

Patnaik’s remarks come in the wake of former BJD MP Ravindra Kumar Jena’s defection to the BJP, sparking further concerns. Opposition leaders, including Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das, have also voiced apprehensions over the BJP's alleged efforts to sway lawmakers.

With five candidates vying for four seats, the vote dynamics have become increasingly complex.

Party leaders are urging heightened vigilance, and some BJD lawmakers have suggested keeping their MLAs united to thwart any potential defections as the election date rapidly approaches.