The bugle has sounded for the Rajya Sabha elections with the formal notification issued this Thursday. In Odisha, the race for four soon-to-be-vacant seats has reached a fever pitch.
BJP state in-charge Vijay Pal Singh Tomar and President Manmohan Samal confirmed that candidate lists are with the Central Parliamentary Board, with an official announcement expected within 48 hours.
The numbers game remains intriguing: with their assembly majority, the BJP is poised to secure two seats, while the BJD is set for one. The fourth seat remains a toss-up.
Despite slim odds, Congress is diving into the fray. State President Bhakta Charan Das is heading to Delhi to consult the high command after failing to secure a meeting with BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik for a potential alliance.
Key Dates:
Nominations Close: March 5
Withdrawal Deadline: March 9
Polling & Results: March 16