Bhubaneswar, March 12: Political activity has surged in Odisha as the opposition Congress party issued a strict three-line whip to its legislators on Thursday. The directive requires them to remain in Bhubaneswar and ensure their presence during the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
An official notice from the Chief Whip of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP), C.S. Rajen Ekka, instructed legislators not to leave the headquarters from March 13 to 16 and to stay in the state capital.
Voting for the Rajya Sabha elections is scheduled for March 16, from 9 AM to 4 PM, at the Odisha Assembly premises. The Chief Whip emphasized the importance of full attendance and adherence to the rules, indicating the party’s intent to strengthen its position during this crucial electoral process.
This directive carries the weight of a three-line whip, making compliance mandatory for all Congress legislators without exception. The CLP Chief Whip stated, “All Congress legislators are instructed not to leave the headquarters and to be present in Bhubaneswar from March 13 to 16. This will be considered a three-line whip, and strict adherence is requested.”
Amid rising political tensions, the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) also issued a three-line whip on Wednesday, instructing all its legislators to be present in Bhubaneswar from March 13 to 16 in light of the Rajya Sabha elections.
In a statement from BJD Chief Whip Pramila Malik, it was noted, “All BJD legislators are informed that voting for the Rajya Sabha elections will take place on March 16, 2026, from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Odisha Assembly premises. All BJD legislators are directed not to leave the headquarters and to be present in Bhubaneswar from March 13 to 16.”
She also instructed BJD legislators to consider this order as a three-line whip, which must be strictly followed.
Speculation about horse-trading has intensified ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, with political circles closely monitoring the potential for cross-voting and party-switching.
On Wednesday, BJD President and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik sharply criticized the state government, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engaging in horse-trading ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections.
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S.C.H.
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