Speculation is rife in Odisha’s political circles over a potential understanding between the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress ahead of the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das is likely to meet Leader of Opposition and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik in the first week of February after seeking an appointment.
According to sources, the proposed meeting may focus on exploring political coordination between the two opposition parties. The Congress is expected to propose the idea of fielding a joint candidate for the Rajya Sabha polls as part of broader efforts to build opposition unity against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Discussions may also centre on jointly supporting a prominent personality from Odisha for the Upper House.
While it remains unclear whether the BJD would agree to such an arrangement, the Congress leadership is expected to formally seek the regional party’s support. Bhakta Charan Das has stated that unity between the two opposition parties could help secure a Rajya Sabha seat.
Notably, four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha are due to fall vacant in the upcoming elections, with the fourth seat emerging as the main focus of political speculation. As the polls draw closer, the political stance of both the BJD and the Congress is being closely watched for its potential impact on the election outcome.
