Bhubaneswar: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, will address the grievances of Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in connection with the March 16 Rajya Sabha elections in the state.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has formally sent a communication in this regard to the CEO, Odisha, said the Naveen Patnaik-led party on Wednesday.

Earlier, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra had written to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in connection with the alleged issuance of second ballot papers to two BJP MLAs—Upasana Mohapatra and Purna Chandra Sethy—during the March 16 Rajya Sabha polls in Odisha.

In his letter, the BJD MP described the issuance of second ballot papers as a direct violation of the Conduct of Election Rules-1961.

On the basis of Patra’s letter, the ECI has asked the CEO, Odisha, to address the grievances of BJD, the main Opposition party in the state.

“The BJD appreciates this swift and responsible action by the ECI, which reinforces confidence in democratic institutions. The party reiterates its commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in the electoral process,” said the Opposition party in a statement today.

The BJD delegation will present all relevant facts and concerns before the Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha, and seek appropriate clarification and action in the matter, it added.

Notably, four vacant Rajya Sabha seats in Odisha went to polls on March 16. The ruling BJP bagged two seats while the BJD managed to get one. The fourth seat went to the BJP-backed independent candidate.