All five candidates seeking election to the Rajya Sabha filed their nominations in the company of senior party leaders on Thursday (March 6, 2026).
President of the State unit of Bharatiya Janata Party, Manmohan Samal; sitting BJP Rajya Sabha member, Sujeet Kumar; and hotelier and former Union Coal Minister, Dilip Ray, all backed by the saffron party, submitted their papers.
On the other hand, Santrupta Mishra, political advisor to former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and Dr. Datteswar Hota, having backing of Congress, also reached Odisha Legislative Assembly to filed nomination.
Five candidates are in fray for four seats from Odisha’s quota falling vacant on April 2. Tenures of BJD MPs Niranjan Bishi and Muzibulla Khan, along with BJP MPs Mamata Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar, are coming to end.
While victory of Mr. Samal (BJP), Mr. Kumar (BJP) and Mr. Mishra (BJD) is forgone conclusion with they are requiring support of minimum 30 MLAs. Both BJP and BJD have requisite numbers of MLAs to ensure their candidate sail through.
However, there will be contest between Dr. Hota and Mr. Ray. BJD’s common candidate, Dr. Hota, enjoys support of BJD (rest 18 legislators), 14 Congress MLAs and lone CPI M) MLA, which as per statistics is enough for his win. However, given political maneuvering, Mr. Ray is known for, and backing ruling BJP, anything could be possible, opined political analyst. In 2002, the hotelier had pulled off a surprise win as an independent candidate. He is said to be short of support of six MLAs.
“I am sure our two candidates will have very happy victory,” said BJD supremo Mr. Patnaik.
Published – March 06, 2026 07:48 am IST
