Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) nominees Dr Santrupt Mishra and Dr Datteswar Hota, whom the party has positioned as a “common candidate” with Congress’ backing, filed nominations for the biennial elections to Rajya Sabha from Odisha on Thursday.
BJD president Naveen Patnaik and Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das were present at the State Legislative Assembly on the occasion.
Expressing his satisfaction with the development, Naveen told reporters, “I am very glad to announce that two candidates of the BJD — Santrupt Misra and Dr. Datteswar Hota — have filed their nominations for Rajya Sabha elections. I congratulate both of them.”
The 4 seats, falling vacant on April 2 following the completion of term of two BJP members — Mamata Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar and two from the BJD —Niranjan Bishi and Munna Khan, have drawn significant political attention.
The BJD has announced two candidates for the four Upper House vacancies from the state, though it lacks adequate numbers in the state Assembly to ensure their win.
Political arithmetic in the 147-member Odisha Assembly positions the ruling BJP, with around 82 MLAs, including 3 Independents, to comfortably secure at least two seats. The opposition BJD, with 48 MLAs, is poised to claim one. The fourth seat has emerged as the key battleground, where the BJP aims to extend its tally to three, while the BJD-Congress alliance- marking a rare collaboration—backs Hota to prevent a BJP sweep.
The Congress has 14 MLAs, and the CPI(M) has one.
The BJP has fielded state unit president Manmohan Samal and sitting MP Sujeet Kumar. Former Union minister Dilip Ray is contesting as an independent, with backing from the BJP to bolster its push for a third seat.
The outcome of the fourth seat could hinge on post-nomination alignments, cross-voting possibilities, or last-minute withdrawals, making this election a test of numerical strength and strategic manoeuvring in Odisha’s evolving political landscape.
Scrutiny of nomination papers is scheduled for March 6, with the last date for withdrawals on March 9. If a contest is required, voting will take place on March 16 from 9 am to 4 pm, with results declared the same day. The entire process is expected to conclude by March 20.
