Bhubaneswar, March 16: In a dramatic twist that shook the political corridors of Odisha, senior politician and BJP-backed Independent candidate Dilip Ray pulled off a stunning victory in the race for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat from the state.
Defying the odds and the expected numbers game, Ray defeated the Congress and the Biju Janata Dal’s common candidate Dr. Datteswar Hota, thanks to a wave of cross-voting by MLAs across party lines. The unexpected result has triggered political tremors in the state, exposing cracks within major parties and setting the stage for a fierce battle over party discipline and loyalty.
Ray’s victory was made possible due to cross-voting by several MLAs, leading to a dramatic twist in the election. According to reports, eight BJD MLAs — including two suspended members — along with three MLAs from the Indian National Congress voted in favour of the Independent candidate.
The development triggered sharp reactions within party ranks. Senior BJD leader Pratap Keshari Deb condemned the cross-voting and warned of disciplinary action. He stated that eight party MLAs had voted against the party’s line and said action would be taken against those who had “betrayed the party.”
The Congress party also acknowledged cross-voting by some of its legislators. Bhakta Charan Das, president of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), said that Congress MLAs Ramesh Jena, Dasarathi Gamango, and Sofia Firdous had voted in favour of the BJP-backed candidate. He termed the move an “unexpected betrayal” and announced that steps would be taken to expel them under provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which deals with anti-defection laws.
Meanwhile, some MLAs openly admitted to cross-voting. BJD MLA Souvic Biswal, who represents the Choudwar–Cuttack Assembly constituency, said he voted for Ray because his father, former BJD MLA Pravat Biswal, had been “humiliated and expelled” by the party led by Naveen Patnaik. Biswal also noted that he supported the leader who had once enjoyed the blessings of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
Another BJD legislator, Devi Ranjan Tripathy, also admitted to backing Ray. “I have voted for Dillip Ray. My vote will help make Odisha stronger in the Delhi corridors of power in the coming days,” he said.
Ray’s victory has added a new dimension to Odisha’s political landscape, highlighting internal dissent within major parties and raising questions about party discipline ahead of future political battles in the state.
Meanwhile, Dilip Ray thanked the MLAs who voted in favour of him.
“Deeply humbled and grateful.
Today’s victory in the Rajya Sabha election from Odisha is not mine alone — it reflects the trust and goodwill shown by Hon’ble Members of the Legislative Assembly across political lines.
I sincerely thank the Hon’ble Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party for their steadfast support. I am equally grateful to the MLAs from the BJD, Congress, and the Independents who chose to extend their support,” posted Ray on X.
