Naveen Patnaik Accuses BJP of Poaching MLAs Ahead of Rajya Sabha Elections

ExpandAdd as a preferredsource on google BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Saturday, March 14, accused the BJP of "poaching MLAs" in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. He called it a crime in the democratic process. The comment comes amid fears of cross-voting in the state, where five candidates are in the fray for four seats. Read Trending VideosDelete this video / adSenior BJP MLA Jay Narayan Mishra vehemently denied Patnaik's allegations. He denied any such poaching. BJP's official candidates are state president Manmohan Samal and Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar. Former Union minister Dilip Ray is contesting as an independent and is supported by the BJP. BJD candidates Sarat Mishra and Dr. Datteshwar Hota are backed by the Congress and the CPIM. No party has enough numbers to win the fourth seat, raising the possibility of cross-voting. Patnaik alleged that the three MLAs are trying to buy a statement in the Rajya Sabha premises.