Odisha RS Polls: Naveen Patnaik Raises Concerns Over Alleged BJP Manipulations

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday raised concerns over alleged “horse-trading” attempts by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for Monday. Patnaik expressed apprehension that democratic principles were at risk of being undermined.

Patnaik said that while he firmly believes in democracy, he is “scared” by reports of efforts to influence elected representatives. He alleged that despite lacking sufficient numbers, the BJP has fielded a fifth candidate for the polls, claiming victory, which he said raises serious questions about the integrity of the election process.

The BJD chief urged the media and the public to remain vigilant, calling for strict monitoring of BJP leaders and members to ensure that legislators cast their votes in line with the Constitution and Election Commission norms.

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In response to fears of cross-voting, the Congress reportedly moved some of its legislators to Karnataka, where the party is in power. Senior BJD leader Dibya Shankar Mishra also voiced concerns, emphasizing the need for transparency and cautioning that horse-trading could weaken democratic institutions.

Mishra appealed to the media and citizens to closely observe the activities of BJP leaders in relation to the Rajya Sabha election. “Protect democracy and ensure that no horse-trading takes place so that the election process is conducted according to constitutional and Election Commission rules,” he said.

The allegations have intensified the political atmosphere in Odisha ahead of the polls, with opposition leaders raising questions about the conduct of the ruling party and the fairness of the electoral process.

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