Nomination filing for RS polls from today, BJD may give priority to women candidates

With the filing of nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election for three vacant seats from Odisha starting today, there is a demand from a section of the BJD to give priority to women candidates. 

The filing of nomination papers will continue till May 31. The Rajya Sabha polls are scheduled on June 10.

The BJD is in a position to win all the three seats on the basis of its strength in the Assembly and all its three candidates may win without any contest. However, the party authorities are still tight-lipped over the selection of the candidates. As per party insiders, the decision about the candidates will be taken by the Chief Minister at the proper time.

Meanwhile, BJD leader Usha Devi said that priority will be given to women in candidate selection. 

“BJD had fielded women candidates in a large number of seats in the last Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections. There is nothing to be surprised if the Chief Minister selects women for all the three vacant seats,” said Usha Devi.