Cross-Voting Fears in Rajya Sabha Polls: BJD and Congress Issue Whips, Ask MLAs Not to Leave Bhubaneswar

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BJD and Congress MLAs in Bhubaneswar amid cross-voting concerns during Rajya Sabha elections.

Cross-Voting Fears in Rajya Sabha Polls: BJD and Congress Issue Whips, Ask MLAs Not to Leave Bhubaneswar

Amid concerns over possible cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, both BJD and Congress have issued whips to their MLAs directing them to remain in Bhubaneswar until March 16. The move has sparked political reactions, with BJP leaders questioning the decision.

Published by Diptimayee | March 12, 2026

Political tension in Odisha has intensified ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections as both the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress have issued strict whips to their MLAs amid fears of cross-voting.

A day after the BJD directed its legislators not to leave Bhubaneswar, the Congress followed suit on Thursday by issuing a similar whip to its MLAs. The directive requires Congress legislators to remain in the state capital from March 13 to March 16, the crucial period leading up to the election.

According to party sources, the BJD had already instructed its MLAs on Wednesday to stay in Bhubaneswar until March 16 as a precautionary measure. The Congress leadership has also warned its MLAs that strict disciplinary action could be taken against anyone who fails to comply with the party’s instructions.

The development comes amid concerns that cross-voting could affect the outcome of the Rajya Sabha polls in the state.

Reacting to the move, senior BJP leader and MLA Jayanarayan Mishra criticised the decision taken by the two parties. Questioning the need for such directives, Mishra said that if the parties were so worried about cross-voting, they should not have fielded candidates in the first place.

Meanwhile, leaders from both the BJD and the Congress attempted to downplay concerns about possible defection or horse trading.

BJD leader Aswini Patra said the party president had already issued clear instructions to legislators to support the party’s candidates in the Rajya Sabha election. He acknowledged that cross-voting can be an uncertain factor in such polls but expressed confidence that party MLAs would remain loyal.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Das also said the Congress leadership is maintaining constant communication with its legislators to ensure party unity. He asserted that none of the Congress leaders had fallen prey to horse trading and warned that strong campaigns would be launched against those who attempt to encourage such practices.

Political observers believe the current arrangement between the BJD and the Congress is a significant development in the state’s political landscape. The situation will also test whether BJD MLAs follow the directive of the party leadership regarding cooperation with the Congress during the Rajya Sabha elections.