Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has issued a three-line whip directing all its MLAs to remain present in Bhubaneswar from March 13 to 16 in view of the upcoming Rajya Sabha Elections 2026.
The directive came after BJD President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to indulge in horse-trading ahead of the polls.
In a note, BJD chief whip Pramila Mallik instructed all party legislators to remain at the headquarters and ensure their presence in the capital during the period.
“Voting for the Rajya Sabha elections 2026 will be held on Monday, March 16, from 9 am to 4 pm on the premises of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. All MLAs of the Biju Janata Dal are directed not to leave HQ and be present in Bhubaneswar from March 13–16 unfailingly,” the note stated.
The directive has been issued as a three-line whip, making attendance mandatory for party legislators.