Bhubaneswar, 13 March (H.S.): Ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Naveen Patnaik, president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has asked party MLAs to attend a series of key meetings and training sessions to ensure preparedness and prevent any possibility of cross-voting.

In a letter addressed to the legislators, Patnaik instructed them to participate in a presentation on the procedure for Rajya Sabha elections scheduled at Naveen Niwas in Bhubaneswar on March 13 between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The session is intended to familiarise MLAs with the election process and voting procedures.

The BJD chief has also directed party MLAs to attend a training programme on the rules and procedures related to the Rajya Sabha elections on March 14 at the same venue and during the same time slot.

In addition, a meeting of the BJD Legislature Party has been scheduled for March 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Naveen Niwas. All MLAs have been asked to remain present for the meeting.

The instructions come amid concerns about possible cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections, with political parties stepping up efforts to ensure unity among their legislators and secure a strong performance in the polls.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda