2 independent MLAs join BJD camp in Odisha

Ahead of Friday’s elections for four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha, two independent members of legislative Assembly (MLAs) joined the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as associate members. The two independent MLAs—Braja Kishore Pradhan of Talcher and Jitu Patnaik of Champua— announced they intended to support the BJD-back independent candidate for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat. The move was announced after the two MLAs met BJD chief and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

“I will accept BJD chief Naveen Patnaik’s decision regarding RS polls,” said Jitu Patnaik. “We will work as associate members of BJD.”

Patnaik said, “I welcome both Jitu Patnaik and Braja Kishore Pradhan to work for the uplift of the poor in their constituencies.”

While the BJD has substantial seats in the state Assembly (108 out of 147) to get three of its candidates elected to the Upper House, it has supported independent candidate and renowned sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra for the fourth seat, with an assurance its surplus votes would be in favour of Mohapatra.

To be elected, each candidate needs the votes of 30 MLAs. After exhausting 90 votes for its party candidates, BJD will have 18 surplus votes.

Mohapatra is pitted against Congress candidate Ranjib Biswal. Earlier, Braja Pradhan had assured support to Biswal.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress has accused the BJD of indulging in horse-trading and has filed a complaint before the Election Commission in this regard and said the move amounted to violation of the code of conduct.

Election Commission special observer Anil Jha said, “I am looking into the complaint.”

There are five independent MLAs in the state Assembly, including two associate members---one each of the BJD and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).