Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha. This decision puts an end to speculation surrounding the third candidate for the crucial seats. Vaishnaw’s nomination comes amid a flurry of political activity in the state, with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) stalwarts Debashish Samantray and Subhasish Kuntia already filing their nomination papers. These developments underscore the fierce competition expected in the state’s political arena.
The BJD, with its formidable strength in the Odisha State Assembly, is anticipated to secure victory in all three vacant Rajya Sabha seats. This projection places Vaishnaw on the brink of clinching his second term in the Upper House from the state. The electoral landscape in Odisha is further accentuated by the perceived camaraderie between BJP and BJD, particularly in the run-up to crucial twin elections.
During a recent visit to Sambalpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi refrained from targeting the BJD and even addressed Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as a friend. This exchange of pleasantries has fueled speculation about the underlying political dynamics between the two parties.
As per the official notification, the deadline for filing nominations is February 15, with the withdrawal date set for February 20. Polling is scheduled for February 27, with counting of votes slated to take place on the same day at 5 pm. The outcome of the Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha is poised to have significant ramifications for the state’s political landscape and the ensuing dynamics between BJP and BJD.
