The president of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Odisha unit, Manmohan Samal, along with senior party leader Sujeet Kumar and BJP-backed independent candidate Dilip Ray, submitted their nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha polls. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy CMs K. V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, BJP Odisha in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar, and other senior ruling party members were present during the filing of nominations. The nominees handed in their papers before the returning officer on the final day of nominations for the biennial polls.
Samal, after submitting his nomination, emphasized the BJP’s focus on Odisha’s development and national interests. He expressed confidence in the party’s unity and commitment to enhancing the state’s representation in Parliament. The party aims to address Odisha’s developmental issues and ensure the state receives adequate attention at the national level, Samal stated.
The BJP president highlighted the party’s dedication to fulfilling the aspirations of Odisha’s people and dismissed opposition narratives and political speculations surrounding the Rajya Sabha elections. He emphasized the party’s constructive political approach over opposition rhetoric on ‘Secularism.’ Additionally, he expressed certainty in the victory of the party-backed independent candidate, Dilip Ray, in the Rajya Sabha elections.
Former union minister and hotelier Dilip Ray, expressing gratitude to various leaders for their support, announced his nomination filing and upcoming campaign. Ray expressed hope for victory in the elections, recalling the support he received in 2002. Samal, a former Rajya Sabha member, and Dilip Ray, who previously served in the Upper House, are optimistic about their chances in the upcoming polls.
Sujeet Kumar, a senior party leader whose term ends in April, has been renominated by the BJP for the Rajya Sabha. Kumar expressed gratitude to the party’s senior leaders for their trust and support. He also thanked his parents and well-wishers for their blessings and guidance throughout his journey.
