Bhubaneswar, January 23: The Odisha Congress has On Friday, announced its decision to field a candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, despite lacking the required number of MLAs.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das stated that the party is not concerned about the outcome, emphasizing that Congress will proceed with the nomination process. He mentioned that three or four potential candidates have been identified, and discussions will be held with the high command to finalize the nominee.

The Election Commission has already initiated the election process, as four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha will become vacant on April 2, with current members Niranjan Bishi and Munna Khan (BJD), and Sujeet Kumar and Mamata Mohanta (BJP) retiring.

The current legislative strength is BJP 82, BJD 50, and Congress 14 in the 147-member Assembly.