BJP Leader Mamata Mohanta Files Nomination for Rajya Sabha Bypolls in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, August 21: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mamata Mohanta officially submitted her nomination on Wednesday for the upcoming Rajya Sabha bypolls in Odisha. The filing took place in the presence of several senior party leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha BJP in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar, and BJP state unit chief Manmohan Samal. 

Speaking after the nomination, Chief Minister Majhi expressed confidence in Mohanta's victory, stating, "We are confident that Mamata Mohanta will emerge victorious and represent both Odisha and the BJP in the Rajya Sabha." 

Mohanta, a prominent social activist and leader from the Kudumi community in Mayurbhanj district, expressed her gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and other senior leaders for their trust in her. She also outlined her commitment to raising important issues faced by the people of Odisha in the Rajya Sabha. 

"I am pledging today to serve the people and work for the betterment of my community, the people of Mayurbhanj, and Odisha. I am hopeful that I can achieve my goals," Mohanta said. 

The BJP had announced Mohanta's candidature on Tuesday, following her resignation from both her Rajya Sabha membership and her primary membership in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on July 31. Her resignation from Rajya Sabha came two years before the end of her term, which was initially set to conclude in April 2026. 

After stepping down from the BJD, Mohanta joined the BJP at the party’s headquarters in New Delhi. Her entry into the BJP has drawn significant attention, especially given her strong background as a social activist and her leadership within the Kudumi community. 

The by-election for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat in Odisha is scheduled for September 3, 2024. This seat became available after Mohanta's resignation, and her re-entry into the political scene is expected to have a substantial impact on the upcoming election. 

As the political landscape in Odisha continues to evolve, Mohanta's bid for the Rajya Sabha remains a crucial development for both her community and the state.