Political turmoil has intensified in Odisha before the Rajya Sabha elections in India. Biju Janata Dal and Indian National Congress have issued whips to keep their MLAs united amid fears of cross-voting.
Bhubaneswar: The political atmosphere in Odisha has become quite heated before the Rajya Sabha elections. As the voting date is approaching, the concerns of the major political parties of the state are also increasing. Especially the stir between Biju Janata Dal i.e. BJD and Congress has intensified. Both the parties are afraid of cross voting and that is why strict steps are being taken to keep their respective MLAs united.
At present, the biggest discussion in political circles is that during voting, MLAs should not vote beyond the party line. In view of this apprehension, both the parties have issued whips to their MLAs and have given them strict instructions to vote only as per the party’s decision. Besides, the activities of the MLAs are also being continuously monitored.
Fear of cross voting increased before voting
Now only three days are left for Rajya Sabha elections. As the voting day is approaching, the restlessness of the political parties is increasing. Both BJD and Congress fear that some MLAs may cross-vote during voting.
According to sources, especially the activities of about seven to eight MLAs are being kept under special watch. However, party leaders believe that one cannot be completely sure about the remaining MLAs. This is the reason why all the MLAs are being kept in constant touch with the party and they are being explained about the party’s strategy.
Naveen Patnaik took charge of the elections
BJD supremo and former Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik has himself taken command of this entire election management. He has written a letter to all the MLAs and given clear instructions that the whip issued by the Chief Whip should be strictly followed.
Along with this, a training program has also been organized by the party for the MLAs. This program will be organized at Naveen Niwas on Friday and Saturday from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. The party has made it mandatory for all MLAs to participate in it.
The objective of this training program is to educate the MLAs about the voting process and make them aware of the party’s strategy. Apart from this, an important meeting of BJD Legislature Party has also been called on Sunday in which the presence of all the MLAs has been made necessary.
Instructions to MLAs to stay in Bhubaneswar only
The BJD leadership has given clear instructions to its MLAs that they will not leave the party headquarters or Bhubaneswar city without permission. The purpose of this decision is to ensure that all MLAs remain in touch with the party and stay away from any kind of political activity.
The party leadership believes that such instructions will maintain unity among the MLAs and reduce the possibility of any kind of cross voting during voting. Also, senior leaders of the party are constantly in touch with the MLAs.
Congress also issued a three-line whip
After BJD, Congress has also issued a three-line whip for its MLAs. The party has given clear instructions that no MLA will leave Bhubaneswar between 13th and 16th.
The Congress leadership has also asked its MLAs to vote according to the party line. Apart from this, the party has held frequent meetings with the MLAs and informed them about the election strategy and voting process.
Congress believes that if all the MLAs remain united then the party can get a strong position in this election. Therefore, the party leadership does not want to be negligent in any way.
BJP accused of breaking MLAs
Amidst this entire political incident, both Congress and BJD have made serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party. Opposition parties say that BJP is trying to break their MLAs to influence the Rajya Sabha elections.
State Congress President Bhakta Charan Das reached the Assembly and held a meeting with Congress MLAs. After this meeting, while talking to the media, he said that BJP is breaking political decorum and trying to do horse trading of MLAs.
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