Debashish Samantaray Declares ₹17 Cr Assets in RS Nomination

Bhubaneswar: BJP’s Rajya Sabha candidate Debashish Samantaray has declared assets worth over Rs 17 crore in his nomination affidavit for the upcoming by-election.

The former BJD leader, who recently switched allegiance to the BJP, revealed both movable and immovable assets in his and his wife’s names.

According to the affidavit, Samantaray’s immovable assets stand at approximately Rs 12.88 crore, with Rs 7.25 crore in his name and Rs 5.63 crore in his wife Bitasta’s. Movable assets are valued at around Rs 5.61 crore.

His net worth is pegged at Rs 9.50 crore, while his wife’s is close to Rs 8.98 crore.

The declaration also lists liabilities of Rs 88.74 lakh for Samantaray and Rs 83.23 lakh for his wife.

In addition, three pending legal cases have been disclosed, including those under the Excise Act and Companies Act, along with two prior convictions that were compounded with fines.

Speaking to reporters, Samantaray asserted that the BJD is “becoming empty” and predicted more leaders would join the BJP.

He emphasised that the “double‑engine government” offers greater scope to serve the people.

Samantaray’s resignation from the Rajya Sabha after joining the BJP triggered the by‑election, making his nomination a significant development in Odisha’s political landscape.