Bhubaneswar, March 15 -- The stage is set for the Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha on Monday, with five candidates in the fray and a keen contest emerging for the fourth seat, triggering political tension amid fears of cross-voting and alleged horse-trading among legislators.

While the results for the first three seats are largely considered predictable, the fourth seat has turned into a closely watched contest, particularly between Dilip Ray and Datteshwar Hota.

The possibility of cross-voting by legislators has created unease within opposition camps, with speculation surrounding the position of some MLAs from both the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress.

BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has alleged attempts of hor...