Bhubaneswar, March 5 (NationPress) On Thursday, the Odisha unit president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Manmohan Samal, along with senior party leader Sujeet Kumar and independent candidate Dilip Ray, who is supported by the BJP, submitted their nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

In attendance during the nomination process were Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers K. V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, BJP Odisha in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar, and other prominent members of the ruling party.

The candidates officially filed their nominations with the returning officer on the final day for submissions for the Rajya Sabha biennial elections.

After submitting his papers, Samal remarked that the BJP is entering the elections with a clear aim focused on the development of Odisha and the national interest. He emphasized the party's commitment to enhancing the state's representation in Parliament.

"We are optimistic about our success. Our main goal is to highlight issues concerning Odisha’s development and to ensure that the state receives the attention and resources it deserves at the national level," Samal stated.

He reiterated the party’s dedication to meeting the aspirations of the people of Odisha and dismissed any speculation from the opposition regarding the Rajya Sabha elections, asserting that the BJP is committed to constructive politics rather than engaging in the opposition's rhetoric surrounding 'Secularism'.

Samal also expressed confidence in the independent candidate Ray's victory in the Rajya Sabha elections.

Following his nomination, former union minister and hotelier Ray expressed gratitude towards the BJP, stating, "I wish to thank the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, national president Nitin Nabin, Chief Minister Majhi, and Manmohan Samal for their unwavering support in my election campaign. I have filed my nominations today and will begin my campaign tomorrow. I sincerely hope to garner the same support as I did in 2002 and achieve victory in these elections."

Samal had previously been elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2000, while seasoned politician Dilip Ray, who served from 1996 to 2002, was re-elected to the Upper House in 2002, notably defeating then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik amidst reports of cross-voting by several BJD MLAs.

Meanwhile, Sujeet Kumar, whose term is set to conclude this April, has been nominated again by the ruling BJP for the Rajya Sabha.

Kumar shared with the media, "I am grateful to the senior leaders for placing their trust in me once again. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to my parents for their blessings and to all who have supported and guided me throughout my journey."