Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Ashwini Vaishnaw to contest in Lok Sabha seats in Odisha

Speculations are rife over the Lok Sabha (LS) seats from which two BJP heavyweights are likely to contest in the next general elections in 2024.

While both Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, and Ashwini Vaishnaw have been confirmed to contest from Odisha, the LS seats are yet to be finalised.

“Both will fight the election for sure. The party is preparing for the same. Dharmendra Pradhan is confirmed to contest the election from a seat in Odisha. As far as Ashwini Vaishnaw is concerned, his seat has not been confirmed yet,” said Odisha BJP General Secretary, Prithviraj Harichandan.

It is pertinent to mention here that 18 Rajya Sabha MPs are scheduled to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Out of the 18 MPs, 12 are Union Ministers.

While the seats are still not clear, it is speculated that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan might be asked to contest either from Sambalpur or Dhenkanal parliamentary constituencies. Similarly, Union Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw may contest from either Balasore or Cuttack Parliamentary constituencies.

While, Pradhan was nominated to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, Vaishnaw was nominated from Odisha.