BJD Announces Santrupt Misra and Datteswar Hota as Rajya Sabha Candidates with Congress Support

Bhubaneswar, Feb 28: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced Santrupt Misra and Dr Datteswar Hota as its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Party president Naveen Patnaik made the declaration, signalling a strategic move to secure both seats despite the party’s current numbers.

Santrupt Misra, who joined BJD last year and contested the Lok Sabha elections from Cuttack, has long been considered for a Rajya Sabha berth. Dr. Datteswar Hota, an eminent personality who has not formally joined BJD, was also under consideration by Congress earlier.

With 48 MLAs, BJD falls short of the 60 first‑preference votes required to elect two candidates. The party needs support from 12 additional legislators.

In a significant boost, Congress, which has 14 MLAs, has announced support for Dr Hota.

PCC president Bhakta Charan Das emphasised Hota’s independent stature, making it easier for Congress to extend backing.

This alliance ensures that both Misra and Hota are poised for smooth election to the Rajya Sabha, strengthening BJD’s representation at the national level