Odishatv Bureau

Bhubaneswar: Clearing the air, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday announced its candidates for Rajya Sabha.

As expected, Ama Odisha chief Soumya Ranjan Patnaik along with founder of KIIT and KISS Achyuta Samanta and party spokesperson Prashanta Nanada were given the tickets.

The names of three candidates were announced by Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik today at his residence Naveen Niwas.

Both Soumya Ranjan and Achyuta had joined the BJD at a special function held at Naveen Niwas earlier today.

Many believe that BJD nominated Soumya Ranjan Patnaik for Rajya Sabha as part of its well planned strategy to capture Congress votebank in the State.

Though Naveen Patnaik had earlier stated that the only political leaders will go to Rajya Sabha, KIIT and KISS founder and social activist Achyuta Samanta's nomination for the upper house has come as a surprise to many.

"I thank party president for nominating me for Rajya Sabha and it is certainly a big responsibility that has been given to me," said Prashanta Nanda.

Nanda further stated that several issues ranging from Mahanadi to Polavaram and Central neglect among others will be raised duly in the interest of Odisha.

"I was with people and busy doing social work and will continue to work for the development of the State," said Achyuta Samant.

Soumya Ranjan Patnaik also stated that he would continue his fight and raise several issues including the farmers plight, chit fund scam and others in the larger interest of the people of Odisha.

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