Bhubaneswar, March 5: We’re with Dr. Datteswar Hota, no way to extend any support to Dilip Ray, said Odisha Pradesh Congress President Bhakta Charan Das on Thursday.

Underlining the Odisha Congress’ resolve ahead of the Rajya Sabha election, Das said that the party will support Dr. Datteswar Hota, a renowned Urologist & Kidney Transplant Surgeon with heart & soul.

“With it, Dr. Hota Hota would secure all 14 votes from the Congress MLAs and one more from the CPI(M). It’s also the equation of the AICC. Thus, I do urge all of our legislators to vote for Dr. Hota”, Das added.

Responding to pressers’ queries regarding any alliance or compromise with the BJD Das asserted that, both the partys’ ideology have this time aligned at a point for a greater cause, that is on the state’s interest & people’s welfare.

“Apart from the AICC’s directives, Dr. Datteswar Hota, for his selfless service, was the best pick for us to represent Odisha in the Upper Chamber. Meanwhile, he was named as a common candidate by the BJD Chief Naveen Patnaik, based on his social services. As we were informed, we accorded moral support to him, following a strategic discussion with Naveen”, the OPCC Chief added.

On the other hand, regarding support to Dilip Ray who is reportedly an incognito BJP nominee, the OPCC President said that, Ray had earlier discussed with him over phone. The conversation centered on Ray’s instant decision to contest as an independent for the Rajya Sabha elections.

“I have good personal relationships with veteran leader Ray. However, the Rajya Sabha poll is an ideological battle that will be adressed with democratic principles and abiding by the party high command’s resolve”,Das added.