BJP begins candidate hunt as Rajya Sabha race heats up in Odisha

The race for Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha has intensified, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state leadership beginning internal discussions on potential nominees.

Also Read: Key meeting underway at Odisha BJP headquarters, top leadership in attendance

A key meeting chaired by state President Manmohan Samal was held on Sunday at the party’s state headquarters, where senior leaders deliberated on possible candidates and strategies — particularly for the crucial fourth seat.

Names doing the rounds include Samir Mohanty, Golak Mohapatra, Sarada Satpathy, and several women leaders such as Kusum Tete, Sukeshi Oram, and Aishwarya Biswal.

Besides, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is reportedly exploring a joint strategy with the Indian National Congress to challenge the ruling party for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat.

Speculation is also growing around the possible backing of an independent candidate, with discussions reportedly involving Dr Ramakanta Panda, health advisor to the BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik.

Senior Congress leaders, including Tara Prasad Bahinipati, have indicated readiness to field a candidate with potential support from BJD.

Rajya Sabha nominations are set to begin from February 26. Based on the current Assembly strength, the BJP is expected to secure two seats, while BJD may win one. The fourth seat remains open, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest.

“Speculations on bypoll for the fourth seat (in Rajya Sabha from Odisha) are going on, and there is a very high chance of cross-voting, which cannot be ruled out. The kind of situation prevalent in BJD suggests that cross-voting is inevitable. The idea of a consensus also cannot be denied,” noted political analyst Prasanna Mohanty had earlier said to OTV.