Though the notification for the ensuing by-poll for a Rajya Sabha seat from the State would be issued on Thursday, the ruling BJD having sufficient strength to send the member to the Upper House of Parliament, is yet to announce its candidate.
Of course, candidates can file their nominations till December 3. Polling as well as counting of votes will be held on December 14.
Sources said though the main opposition Congress had no adequate strength to elect an RS member, it was contemplating to field a candidate for symbolic reasons.
last week, the Election Commission had announced the schedule for the by-poll for the RS seat which has fallen vacant following the death of BJD MP Kalpataru Das on July 25.
Odisha has 10 Rajya Sabha seats. After Das’ demise, the BJD now has six members in the Upper House. While there are two Independents, the Congress has one RS member, Ranjib Biswal.