Dilip Ray to Contest Rajya Sabha Poll as Independent; Odisha BJP Extends Support

Bureau,Odishabarta

Bhubaneswar,(03/03/26):Senior leader and former Union Minister Dilip Ray on Tuesday announced that he will contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha election in Odisha as an independent candidate, setting the stage for a keen contest for the fourth seat.

Speaking to a regional news channel, Ray said he would file his nomination on March 5. Soon after, Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal declared that the party would back Ray’s candidature for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat.

Elections are being held for four Rajya Sabha seats in Odisha. The Bharatiya Janata Party has the strength to comfortably secure two seats, while the Biju Janata Dal is assured of one. The BJP has fielded Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar, while the BJD has nominated Santrupt Mishra for its certain seat and Dr Datteswar Hota as the common candidate for the fourth berth.

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