BJP Nominates Mamata Mohanta for Odisha Rajya Sabha By-Poll

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Mamata Mohanta for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-poll in Odisha, set for September 3, 2024. Mohanta, a senior tribal leader and former member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), resigned from her Rajya Sabha seat and the BJD on July 31, claiming she felt neglected by the party. Her candidacy appears strong, given the BJP's significant presence in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, with 78 MLAs compared to the BJD's 51. Mohanta, a notable social activist from the Kudumi community, joined the BJP on August 1, the day after her resignation. The BJP's decision to field her comes amidst accusations from the BJD that Mohanta betrayed her community. The opposition parties have yet to announce their candidates for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat.