Naveen Patnaik Criticizes BJP Over Allegations of Corruption in Rajya Sabha Elections

In a recent statement, Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, has strongly criticized the BJP for alleged corruption in the Rajya Sabha elections. He claims that individuals with criminal backgrounds are involved in the buying and selling of legislators. Patnaik also raised concerns about voting irregularities, accusing election officials of violating rules. As voting continues for the Rajya Sabha elections, Patnaik's allegations have sparked significant discussion regarding the integrity of the electoral process in Odisha. Read on to discover more about these serious claims and the ongoing election proceedings.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 17:19 IST

Naveen Patnaik's Strong Accusations Against BJP

On Monday, former Chief Minister of Odisha and leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Naveen Patnaik, launched a fierce attack on the BJP regarding the Rajya Sabha elections. He accused the party of involving individuals with criminal backgrounds in the alleged buying and selling of legislators. Patnaik expressed to the media that recent discussions surrounding the BJP and its allies clearly indicate their intentions behind these actions, stating that they have gathered numerous individuals to work for their interests, many of whom have criminal histories.

Concerns Over Criminal Backgrounds

Patnaik pointed out that many of these individuals have parents who have faced imprisonment or have threatened to go to jail themselves. He noted that just yesterday, BJP legislators were held at Paradip Jail. Earlier today, Patnaik alleged irregularities during the voting process for the Rajya Sabha elections, claiming that a second ballot was issued to a legislator, violating election rules.

Voting Irregularities Alleged

He further mentioned that the legislator from the Brahmagiri constituency made an error while casting her vote. Patnaik accused the election officer of accepting the vote despite the mistake and subsequently issuing a second ballot, which he argued is a breach of election regulations. He emphasized that the Brahmagiri legislator made a clear mistake while voting, yet the officer present in the polling booth illegally accepted her vote and issued another ballot, which contradicts democratic standards and violates election rules.

Ongoing Rajya Sabha Elections in Odisha

Voting for the Rajya Sabha elections is currently underway in Odisha, where members of the Odisha Assembly are casting their votes to elect representatives for the upper house of Parliament. The biennial elections aim to fill 37 seats across 10 states. The voting process is ongoing, with counting of votes set to commence at 5 PM today. The terms of 37 elected members from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will end in April, leading to vacant seats for new members.