Mamata Mohanta to Contest Rajya Sabha By-Poll for BJP

Mamata Mohanta, formerly a BJD MP, has been announced as the BJP candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-poll in Odisha. She resigned from the Upper House and joined BJP the following day. Her re-election is likely given BJP's majority in the state assembly.

On Tuesday, the BJP announced Mamata Mohanta as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha by-poll in Odisha, following her recent resignation from the Upper House as a BJD MP.

Mohanta's re-election to the Rajya Sabha seems assured, considering the BJP's significant strength in the 147-member Odisha assembly, where it holds 74 seats compared to the BJD's 51. The Congress has 14 MLAs, three are Independent legislators, and one is from CPI(M).

Mamata Mohanta joined the BJP on August 1, a day after stepping down from her Rajya Sabha membership. The by-poll is scheduled for September 3, with the nomination deadline set for Wednesday. Mohanta expressed her gratitude to the BJP leadership for the opportunity, clarifying that there were no prior assurances for re-nomination.