Bhubaneswar, Feb 28: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, nominating Dr. Datteswar Hota and Dr. Santrupt Mishra.

The names were declared by BJD president Naveen Patnaik.

Dr. Hota, a noted medical professional with decades of experience in healthcare, has been chosen in line with the party’s focus on strengthening representation in public health policy.

Dr. Mishra, a corporate leader with global experience, brings expertise in governance and industry. Currently serving as Naveen Patnaik’s political secretary and the BJD’s national spokesperson, Mishra transitioned from the corporate world to politics. He had earlier contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Cuttack but was unsuccessful.

Expressing gratitude after his nomination, Mishra thanked Naveen Patnaik and the BJD leadership, stating that he would work diligently for the people of Odisha and raise issues concerning them in Parliament.