Bhubaneswar, 05/05/2026: On the instruction of the Hon’ble President of the Biju Janata Dal, Shri Naveen Patnaik, an urgent representation was submitted by Dr. Sasmit Patra to the Election Commission of India regarding the illegal issuance of a second ballot paper to Smt. Upasana Mohapatra, MLA, and Shri Purna Chandra Sethi, MLA, during the Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 on 28th April 2026.
In response, Shri Rajendra Kumar Singh, Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, on 29th April 2026, addressed a communication to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, requesting an urgent appointment with the BJD delegation to examine the matter.
Subsequently, the CEO, Odisha, has scheduled a meeting with the BJD delegation on 11th May 2026 at 11:00 AM.
As per the direction of Shri Naveen Patnaik, the following leaders will represent the BJD delegation:
Shri Prasanna Acharya – Deputy Leader, BJD Legislature Party (Leader of the Delegation)
Smt. Pramila Mallik – Chief Whip, BJD & Polling Agent, RS Polls 2026
Shri Pratap Deb – Deputy Chief Whip, BJD & Party Authorized Agent, RS Polls 2026
Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo – MLA & Counting Agent, RS Polls 2026
Dr. Sasmit Patra – MP & Counting Agent, RS Polls 2026 (Petitioner in the matter)
The Biju Janata Dal reiterates its demand for immediate statutory action into the alleged irregularities and seeks a fair and transparent inquiry to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
The party remains committed to protecting democratic values and ensuring accountability in electoral practices.
