Argus News - BJD Declares Santrupt Misra, Dr Datteswar Hota as Rajya Sabha Candidates

Bhubaneswar, Feb 28: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday officially declared Santrupt Misra and Dr Datteswar Hota as its candidates for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

The announcement was made by BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, bringing clarity after days of internal deliberations within the party over the selection of nominees.

Blend of Organisational Experience, Professional Expertise
Santrupt Misra, a senior leader from Cuttack, has been closely associated with the party’s organisational affairs and is regarded as a key strategist. He had previously contested a parliamentary election and has remained active in party activities. His nomination is seen as the elevation of an experienced political hand to represent the BJD in the Upper House.

Misra, former HR head of Aditya Birla Group, who contested the Lok Sabha election on a BJD ticket from Cuttack seat in 2024, had declared assets worth about Rs 461 crore, which made him the richest candidate among those who had filed their nominations for the simultaneous assembly and parliamentary elections in Odisha.

Misra joined the BJD in February 2024 after opting for voluntary retirement from Aditya Birla Group. Misra, whose ITR showed his income at Rs 76.23 crore in 2021-22 and Rs 66.21 crore in 2022-23, owns movable assets to the tune of Rs 408 crore and immovable assets worth Rs 53 crore, according to his affidavit submitted to the Election Commission during filing of his nomination papers in 2024.

Dr Datteswar Hota, a distinguished urologist known for his contributions to the medical field, has also been chosen as a nominee. His selection reflects the party’s attempt to bring professional expertise into parliamentary discussions, particularly in areas related to public health and policy.

Appealing for wider support, Naveen Patnaik said, “I appeal to all parties to support Dr Hota and send him to the Rajya Sabha.” He also expressed optimism about a favourable outcome in the elections.

Also Read: Fourth Rajya Sabha Seat: Can BJP Bridge The Final Gap In Odisha?

Party Moves Forward for Rajya Sabha Polls
The declaration concludes speculation over the party’s choices and signals the BJD’s strategy of combining political experience with domain knowledge in its parliamentary representation.

With the official nomination of Santrupt Misra and Dr Datteswar Hota, the BJD has positioned itself for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, reinforcing its presence in the national legislature.