Rajya Sabha Elections: BJP Finalises Two Names from Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Political activity in Odisha has intensified ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. The BJP has announced two candidates from the state.

State BJP president Manmohan Samal has been named as a Rajya Sabha candidate. Sitting MP Sujeet Kumar has also been renominated. The names were approved by the party’s central committee.

After the announcement, Sujeet Kumar visited the state BJP office. Party workers and leaders celebrated by offering him sweets. He thanked the central leadership and expressed his happiness over the nomination.

The BJD has announced one candidate and also declared Datteshwar Hota as a common candidate. Meanwhile, discussions are growing over the possibility of Dillip Ray contesting as a common candidate with BJP support.

According to the current numbers, the BJP has 20 surplus MLA votes, which could support Dillip Ray. However, he would still need 10 more votes to secure victory.

There is speculation that if two rebel BJD MLAs support him, the gap could reduce. Otherwise, intense political negotiations may take place.

Based on the numbers, the victory of the two BJP candidates appears certain. It is not yet clear whether the BJP will field a third candidate.

Within the BJD, there are reports of internal differences over the choice of Datteshwar Hota. The Congress state president has said the party will support him, but the absence of all Congress MLAs in a recent meeting has raised questions about his chances.

Further political developments are expected in the coming days.