Bhubaneswar: The Congress has decided to contest the upcoming panchayat elections in Odisha independently, ruling out any alliance with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Bhakta Charan Das clarified on Tuesday.

The statement comes amid recent discontent within the party ranks over speculation of a possible tie-up with the Biju Janata Dal. Addressing the issue, Das made it clear that the Congress will fight the zilla parishad, panchayat, and municipal elections on its own strength.

He emphasized that there will be no alliance with the BJD for these local body polls, signaling a strategic shift following internal backlash. The party aims to strengthen its grassroots presence by contesting independently across Odisha.

Rajya Sabha cross-voting fallout shapes Congress decision

The clarification follows recent political developments during the Rajya Sabha elections in the state. The Congress had backed BJD’s candidate, Dr. Datteswar Hota, in the polls. However, BJP-backed Independent candidate Dilip Ray secured victory due to cross-voting by legislators from both the BJD and Congress.

According to reports, three Congress MLAs and six BJD MLAs voted in favour of Ray, defying party whips issued to them, leading to an unexpected outcome. The episode is believed to have further strained ties and contributed to the Congress leadership’s decision to go solo in upcoming local elections.

No alliance now, but door open for Assembly poll understanding: PCC chief

However, Das left the door open for future political adjustments, stating that any decision regarding an alliance with the BJD during the assembly elections would depend on directives from the party high command.

The announcement is being seen as a “U-turn” after earlier indications of a possible understanding between the two parties, and is likely to reshape the political dynamics ahead of the local elections in the state.