BJD Approaches Odisha CEO Alleging Irregularities in Rajya Sabha Election
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday submitted a memorandum to the Odisha Chief Electoral Officer, alleging procedural irregularities in the recently conducted Rajya Sabha elections in the state.
A delegation of senior BJD leaders met election officials in Bhubaneswar and sought immediate intervention by the Election Commission over what the party described as violations of established polling procedures.
Allegation Over Issuance of Second Ballot Papers
According to the BJD, two BJP legislators were allegedly issued second ballot papers during voting in the Rajya Sabha election held on April 28.
The party claimed that the issuance of duplicate ballot papers to BJP MLAs Upasana Mohapatra and Purna Chandra Sethi was unlawful and inconsistent with election rules governing the voting process in the Assembly.
In its memorandum, the BJD urged the Election Commission to examine the matter and initiate appropriate action without delay.
Senior BJD Leaders Part of Delegation
The delegation that met the Chief Electoral Officer included Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya, Chief Whip of the Opposition Pramila Mallik, and senior party leader Pratap Deb, who served as the polling agent during the Rajya Sabha election.
Other members included Dr. Arun Kumar Sahu, Dr. Sasmit Patra and additional party representatives associated with the election process.
The BJD stated that concerns regarding the alleged irregularities had previously been raised before the Election Commission of India through a formal complaint submitted after the election.
Why the Issue Matters
Rajya Sabha elections are conducted through a system of voting by elected MLAs, and the process is governed by strict procedural rules to ensure transparency and fairness.
The allegation regarding duplicate ballot papers has gained political significance because such issues can potentially affect the credibility of the electoral process and lead to disputes between political parties.
While the BJD has alleged procedural violations, election authorities have not yet publicly responded to the claims.
Background of the Rajya Sabha Election
The Rajya Sabha polls in Odisha were held on April 28 amid heightened political competition between the ruling BJP and opposition parties in the state.
The BJD, which has remained a major political force in Odisha for years, has increasingly taken an aggressive stand on electoral and procedural matters following recent political developments in the state.
Political observers believe the latest complaint could lead to closer scrutiny of polling procedures and ballot management in future indirect elections.
What Happens Next
The Election Commission is expected to review the memorandum and the complaints submitted by the BJD before deciding whether further inquiry or action is required.
For now, the matter has added another layer to the ongoing political contest between the BJD and BJP in Odisha ahead of future legislative and electoral battles.
Inputs & Images: Hindusthan Samachar
Edited by: Pushkarini Annabathula
Also Read : CTET RESULT 2026 EXPECTED SOON: CBSE LIKELY TO ANNOUNCE FEBRUARY EXAM RESULTS ON OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Add republicpost.in as preferred source on google – Click Here
Last Updated on: Monday, May 11, 2026 9:42 pm by Pushkarini Annabathula | Published by: Pushkarini Annabathula on Monday, May 11, 2026 9:42 pm | News Categories: Latest
About The Author
