Bhubaneswar, February 28 (NationPress) Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik announced on Saturday the candidacy of esteemed party member Santrupt Misra and renowned urologist Datteswar Hota for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

During a press briefing, Patnaik stated, "Our party has opted to nominate two candidates for the Rajya Sabha election."

He elaborated, "Senior leader Santrupt has been selected for the third seat, while Datteswar Hota will serve as a common candidate for the fourth seat," expressing confidence that both candidates would secure a position in the Upper House.

The BJD President urged all political factions to rally behind both nominees to facilitate their election to the Rajya Sabha.

Datteswar Hota, a medical expert hailing from Odisha, has previously held significant roles, including the first Vice-Chancellor of the Odisha Health University and Principal of SCB Medical College and Hospital.

Upon learning of his nomination, Hota expressed his appreciation to BJD President Naveen Patnaik.

In response, Hota remarked, "I am profoundly thankful to our esteemed leader, and I call upon all Members of the Legislative Assembly to support me, so together we can protect and advance our State's interests."

Regarding his outreach to all political parties, he remarked, "I will engage with everyone to seek their collaboration. My skills, expertise, and experience in health and education can be utilized for the greater good of the public."

He expressed optimism for positive backing from all sectors, especially in light of Patnaik's appeal for support in the election.

Detailing his professional history, Hota noted his tenure as a Professor of Virology at SCB Medical College and Hospital for nearly two decades before ascending to the position of Principal. He subsequently became the inaugural Vice-Chancellor of Odisha University of Health Sciences.

"The Health University has fortified medical education in Odisha. If elected, I will persist in serving the people of our State at the national level," he added.

The four Rajya Sabha members from Odisha due for retirement on April 2 this year include Mamata Mahanta and Sujeet Kumar from the BJP, alongside Muzibulla Khan and Niranjan Bishi from the BJD.

The Election Commission of India revealed the schedule for the biennial Rajya Sabha elections on February 26. The final date for nomination submissions is March 5.

Nominations will be scrutinized on March 6 at 11:30 a.m., while the last day for withdrawal of candidacy is March 9 by 3 p.m.

According to Returning Officer and Secretary of the Odisha Legislative Assembly Satyabrata Rout, should a poll be necessary, it will occur on March 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room No. 54 of the Assembly Buildings, Bhubaneswar, with vote counting taking place the same day at 5 p.m. The entire election process is expected to conclude by March 20.