BJP Selects Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar for Odisha's Rajya Sabha Elections
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Bhubaneswar, March 3 (NationPress) The ruling BJP has officially announced that Manmohan Samal, the president of the party's Odisha unit, and current MP Sujeet Kumar will represent the party as candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha.
With the retirement of four Rajya Sabha members from Odisha set for April 2, these elections have become essential. The outgoing members include Niranjan Bishi and Munna Khan from the BJD, along with Sujeet Kumar and Mamata Mohanta of the ruling BJP.
On Tuesday, the BJP’s Central Election Committee revealed the names of nine candidates, which includes two from Odisha, for the Rajya Sabha polls across various states.
After his candidature was confirmed, BJP Odisha president Samal expressed gratitude towards both the central and state party leadership for the nomination.
“We are dedicated to collaborating closely with all party teams, the Chief Minister, and senior leaders to create a ‘Samruddha Odisha’, aiming to position Odisha as the leading state in the nation while ensuring basic amenities for the populace,” stated Samal.
Likewise, veteran BJP leader Sujeet Kumar expressed his appreciation to the people of Odisha and the party leadership for their trust in him.
“I extend my thanks to Lord Jagannath, the 4.5 crore residents of Odisha, and the party's senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Nitin Nabin, for their confidence in me,” expressed Kumar.
He further shared that the decision by the party’s parliamentary board came as a surprise to him. Kumar also emphasized his commitment to the development of the Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) region, as well as support for the state's tribal communities and other areas.
“For the past six years, I have persistently advocated for the interests of Odisha and India in Parliament and other platforms. I promise to continue this effort with even greater vigor. I assure the people of Odisha and the nation that I will fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to me by the party with utmost dedication,” Kumar affirmed.
The party's decision to nominate Sujeet Kumar again for the Rajya Sabha serves as recognition for his contributions in western Odisha, while Samal was nominated for his pivotal role in the BJP's success in the upcoming 2024 general elections.