RajyaSabhaElection – BJP Nominates Debashish Samantaray for Odisha’s Vacant Upper House Seat
RajyaSabhaElection – Bharatiya Janata Party leader Debashish Samantaray formally submitted his nomination papers on Friday for the by-election to the lone vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Odisha. The nomination process took place at the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises in Bhubaneswar, with several senior leaders of the ruling party present during the filing.
Senior BJP Leaders Attend Nomination Filing
A number of prominent BJP figures accompanied Samantaray during the submission of his nomination documents. Among those present were Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, and other senior members of the party leadership. Their presence reflected the party’s strong backing for Samantaray’s candidature in the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election.
Samantaray Expresses Gratitude to Party Leadership
Speaking to journalists after completing the nomination process, Samantaray thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP’s national leadership for placing their trust in him. He said the support and affection he received after joining the BJP made him feel welcomed and valued within the organization.
The veteran politician also acknowledged the role played by party legislators, the chief whip, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, and BJP workers across the state. According to him, their encouragement and support were instrumental in his political transition and subsequent nomination for another term in the Rajya Sabha.
Confidence Over Electoral Outcome
Samantaray voiced confidence about the outcome of the by-election, indicating that the BJP’s numerical strength in the Odisha Legislative Assembly places the party in a strong position. He suggested that the election process could conclude without significant competition, given the current political arithmetic in the state.
When asked about the possibility of cross-voting, he dismissed concerns and stated that he had complete faith in the discipline of legislators and the support available to the party.
Remarks on Odisha’s Political Direction
During his interaction with the media, Samantaray also referred to the political developments that followed the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections. He noted that voters had delivered a clear mandate and said the BJP government was focused on advancing development initiatives in the state. He added that the party’s efforts in Odisha align with the broader national objective of building a developed India.
Background of the Vacancy
The Rajya Sabha seat became vacant after Samantaray resigned from the Upper House on May 25. On the same day, he also stepped down from the primary membership of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), ending his long association with the regional party.
A day later, on May 26, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Following his induction, the BJP officially announced his candidature for the vacant Rajya Sabha position on Thursday, paving the way for his nomination.
Election Schedule Announced
According to the election timetable, nominations can be filed until June 8. The scrutiny of nomination papers is scheduled for June 9, while candidates will have the option to withdraw their names up to June 11.
If voting becomes necessary, polling and vote counting will take place on June 18. However, political observers note that the BJP’s comfortable majority in the Odisha Assembly significantly strengthens Samantaray’s prospects, making his entry into the Rajya Sabha widely expected.