By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha PCC Chief Bhakta Charan Das Monday made it clear that the INC will fight Rajya Sabha polls in the State considering it as a prestige issue.
Congress plans to field its own candidate and contest the polls independently, treating it as a prestige issue rather than being deterred by the lack of numbers. He has emphasized no fear of win or loss, stating the party will fight alone for the dignity of the party. Earlier (around January 23, 2026), he mentioned shortlisting 3-4 potential names (from within or outside the party) and consulting the high command.
The PCC Chief Das, who had sought time for meeting with Ex CM Naveen Patnaik, claimed that the BJD Supremo may join for the same within a day or 2.
‘A meeting with Naveen Patnaik will be held soon for the greater interest of the state’ There is a possibility of BJD and Congress getting with their numbers’, Das said.
The purpose includes exploring dialogue with the opposition BJD, possibly for joint support to an Independent candidate with strong credentials or “impeccable social standing” to strengthen the opposition and prevent BJP from sweeping more seats. This reflects ongoing political buzz, with Congress aiming to build opposition unity against the ruling BJP while asserting its presence despite limited strength in the Odisha Assembly.
‘Trying to explore possibilities is not a crime in politics’, We know we can’t win, we will fight for the dignity of the party’, ‘ he said.
Bhakta Das said there is an opportunity for the opposition party. ‘A lot of things will come to light if we discuss with Naveen Patnaik, he said.
Four seats are set to fall vacant in early April 2026 (tenures ending around April 2), with BJP positioned to win two comfortably, BJD one, and the fourth seat requiring cross-party support or maneuvering due to no single party having sufficient MLAs for a clean win.
