BJP’s Mamata Mohanta: The Strategic Move in Odisha’s Rajya Sabha Bypoll

Mamata Mohanta of the Kudumi community filed her nomination as the BJP's official candidate for the Rajya Sabha bypoll, with Jagannath Pradhan as a 'dummy candidate' for safeguarding her position. The BJP's Odisha in-charge, Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, affirmed Mohanta's official status, emphasizing the party's strong standing in the 147-member Assembly.

Mamata Mohanta, a leader from the Kudumi community, officially submitted her nomination for the Rajya Sabha bypoll as the BJP candidate on Wednesday. In a strategic move, Jagannath Pradhan also filed his papers as an Independent candidate, accompanied by a host of party leaders including MLA Laxman Bag.

Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, Odisha BJP's in-charge, clarified that Mohanta is the party's official nominee, describing Pradhan as a 'dummy candidate' placed to ensure Mohanta's secure position. 'Mohanta is our official candidate, and Pradhan is a dummy candidate for the safety of the party candidate. There should be no further discussions on Pradhan's candidature,' Tomar stated.

Earlier, Mohanta, along with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other leaders, submitted her nomination papers. Following her filing, Mohanta expressed gratitude to major BJP figures and pledged to work for the people of Odisha and her community. The BJP holds a dominant position in the Odisha Assembly, making Mohanta's victory likely.

(With inputs from agencies.)