Ruling BJD announces candidates for Rajya Sabha

Bhubaneswar, Mar 12 (UNI) The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today announced its candidates for the March 26 biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha.

BJD President Naveen Patnaik said former minister Mangala Kissan and Ganjam Zilla Parishad Chairman Renubala Pradhan would be the party candidates for the Upper House elections.

BJD's alliance partner BJP also named its ideologue Balbir Punj as its candidate for the elections.

The selection of Mr Punj, ignoring local aspirants, has caused resentment among the party cadres.

Four Rajya Sabha members, representing Orissa in the upper house of Parliament, are retiring this month completing their full term.

They are Surendra Lath (BJP), Pramila Bohidar and Sushri Devi of BJD, and Dillip Ray (Independent).

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