Argus News - BJP and Congress to Announce Rajya Sabha Candidates Soon

Bhubaneswar, Feb 26: The political atmosphere in Odisha is heating up as both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress prepare to announce their candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

BJP state in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar confirmed that the party will declare its nominees very soon. “The Parliamentary Board meeting is scheduled within the next couple of days, where the final decision will be taken,” stated Tomar.

“The recommendations made by the party’s core committee have already been forwarded to the Parliamentary Board, which will have the ultimate say,” he added. According to Tomar, the names could be announced within one or two days.

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Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Bhakta Charan Das, on the other hand, revealed that the Congress will finalise its decision by February 28. “Senior leaders will travel to Delhi shortly to consult with the party high command,” said Das.

Emphasizing the Congress’ active role in the Rajya Sabha elections, he clarified: “The choice of candidates — whether from within the party or outside — will be determined after discussions in Delhi.”

He also hinted at the possibility of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik granting time for talks, though no formal discussion has taken place yet.

Notably, the Election Commission has already issued the notification for the Rajya Sabha polls, covering 37 seats across the country, including four from Odisha. The nomination process has begun, with March 5 set as the last date for filing papers. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on March 6, while candidates can withdraw until March 9. Voting and counting are scheduled for March 16.

With the BJP and Congress preparing to announce their candidates, and the BJD expected to play a decisive role, Odisha’s Rajya Sabha elections promise to be a closely watched political contest.