Bhubaneswar: Mamata Mohanta Formally Files Nomination For Rajya Sabha Bypolls

Bhubaneswar, Aug 21: BJP's Mamata Mohanta has formally filed her nomination Wednesday for Rajya Sabha bypolls in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who signed on the nomination papers as the former's first proposer.

CM Majhi confirmed about the development. "The notification for the Rajya Sabha bypolls was published. The name of Mamata Mohanta was selected by the Central Parliamentary Board on behalf of the BJP. Today she has formally filed her nomination. Hopefully, she will definitely win and represent the BJP in Rajya Sabha," said CM Majhi.

With the ruling party -- BJP -- already has the required members in terms of numbers, Mohanta's entry to Rajya Sabha is all but sure. However, if necessary, the state will hold the bypolls September 3, with the vote counting to be conducted the same day.

Mohanta has shown her gratitude towards the BJP and the people of Odisha for their support. "Jai Jagannath. Greetings to the people of Odisha. Thanks to your love and support, I have filed my nomination from BJP," said Mahanta after her nomination filing.

She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Majhi as well as other BJP leaders. "I thank PM Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, CM Mohan Charan Majhi, State BJP President Manmohan Samal as well as other party leaders, members and party workers for their blessing," she added.

"I will try my best to solve the problems of Odisha people by voicing their complaints and demands for the betterment and development of my state, my community and my district. I pledge to serve the people of Odisha wholeheartedly," Mohanta stated adding that she would work hard as the voice of Odisha people for the next two years in Rajya Sabha.

Notably, the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Odisha fell vacant after Mohanta quit the Upper House and Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Mohanta joined the BJP August 1, a day after resigning as Rajya Sabha member and quitting the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD.

Mohanta, a prominent tribal leader from the Mayurbhanj district, was elected to the Upper House of the state in April 2020, and her tenure was till April 2026 in the Rajya Sabha. There are 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha.