Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 14: The formal notification for the election to the vacant Rajya Sabha seat in Odisha was issued on Wednesday, signaling the start of the nomination process. This seat, along with 11 others from nine states, will be contested on September 3.
The deadline for filing nominations is August 21, with scrutiny scheduled for August 22 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature set for August 27. Currently, the BJP, which holds 87 seats in the Rajya Sabha, is expected to gain this seat at the expense of Congress, RJD, and BJD.
The vacancy arose following the resignation of BJD Rajya Sabha member Mamata Mahanta on July 31, two years before the end of her term. Mahanta, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha on April 3, 2020, resigned and joined the BJP on August 1, citing dissatisfaction with the BJD leadership. Given the BJP’s strong position in the Odisha Assembly, the party is likely to secure this seat. While several candidates are under discussion, political analysts suggest that the BJP may renominate Mahanta to appeal to the Kudumi community, which she represents, and to consolidate support in light of her recent departure from the BJD.
