BJP Nominates Mamata Mahanta for Rajya Sabha Bypoll in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially nominated Mamata Mahanta as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha bypoll in Odisha, scheduled for September 3.

Mahanta, a prominent tribal leader from the Kudumi community, recently joined the BJP after resigning from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and her previous Rajya Sabha position. Her decision to switch parties surprised many, as she was elected to the Rajya Sabha in April 2020 with 18 months still left in her six-year term.

Mahanta expressed her dissatisfaction with the BJD in a letter to party president Naveen Patnaik, stating that her services and those of her community were no longer needed.

Despite speculation around other potential candidates, Mahanta was the BJP’s preferred choice for the Upper House seat.

With 78 members in the 147-member Assembly, the BJP is in a strong position to secure victory in the bypoll.