Mamata Mohanta secures Rajya Sabha seat uncontested from Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Aug 27: BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan withdrew his nomination for the Rajya Sabha by-election from Odisha on Tuesday. Pradhan, who had initially filed his nomination as an independent candidate on August 21, did so following the decision of his party. He explained to reporters that he withdrew his nomination in accordance with further instructions from the BJP leadership, emphasizing his role as a disciplined party member.

Pradhan's nomination was filed just an hour after the BJP's official nominee, Mamata Mahanta, had submitted her papers. His candidacy was perceived as a strategic move by the party to safeguard against any issues with Mahanta's nomination. It was anticipated that Pradhan would withdraw his nomination on the designated date, which was later confirmed by BJP MLA Purna Sethi.

With Pradhan’s withdrawal, Mamata Mahanta was declared elected unopposed as the only candidate remaining. She subsequently collected her election certificate from the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

Given the BJP’s strong position in the 147-member Odisha Assembly, Mahanta’s election was a formality. The BJP holds 78 seats in the Assembly and enjoys support from three Independent MLAs, while the BJD and Congress have 51 and 14 seats respectively. The opposition, with only one CPM member, was unable to field a candidate or challenge the BJP’s nominee.

This election increases the BJP’s representation in the Rajya Sabha from Odisha to two members. Earlier this year, Ashwini Vaishnaw was elected with BJD support. Mahanta’s departure from the BJD and subsequent election to the Rajya Sabha is viewed as part of the BJP’s strategy to enhance its presence in the Upper House, particularly as it seeks a stronger majority to pass critical legislation, with the BJD now serving as a major opposition force in Parliament.

The election for the 12 vacant Rajya Sabha seats, including Odisha’s lone seat, was scheduled for September 3.