The BJP, which has six MlAs and an Independent MlA in its fold in the State, has decided to support a non-political candidate for the fourth seat in the Rajya Sabha polls to be held on February 7.Party national general secretary Dharmendra Pradhan said this while talking to mediapersons on Thursday.
It may be noted here that the tenure of four Rajya Sabha Members, BJP’s Balbir Punj, BJD’s Mangala Kisan and Renubala Pradhan and Congress’ Rama Chandra Khuntia will end on April 2 this year. The notification for the elections to these four seats was issued on January 21. While January 28 has been fixed as the last date for filing of nominations, the voting would take place on February 7.
The whole process, including publication of results, will end on February 10. The BJD is all set to win three seats comfortably as it has 107 MlAs in hand and support of an independent candidate. The ruling party will have 18 surplus votes for the
fourth seat. A candidate requires the first choice vote of 30 MlAs to win. The ruling party has also announced to support renowned sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra as an Independent candidate for the seat. However, the main Opposition Congress, which has 27 MlAs in its kitty, was yet to announce its stand for the fourth seat. Apart from these three major parties, the State Assembly has one CPI and seven Independent Members.