In 'Hari vs Hari' battle for RS deputy chairman, NDA's Harivansh has edge

The Congress-led Opposition was busy making last-minute calls to ensure that its nominee, Hariprasad, puts up a close fight

On the eve of the election to the post of the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strategists exuded confidence that Rajya Sabha members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) would be voting for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik-led BJD's nine Rajya Sabha members hold the key to the extremely close election.

Sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had phoned the Odisha CM to seek his party's support for NDA's nominee, Harivansh. There was no official word from the BJD.

According to BJP sources, Harivansh was assured of the support of