All 4 RS candidates elected unopposed from Orissa

Bhubaneswar, Mar 19 (UNI) All the four candidates, two from the ruling Biju Janata Dal and one each from the BJP and Congress, were today declared elected unopposed from Orissa in the biennial polls to Rajya Sabha.

Assembly Secretary and Returning Officer K C Barik declared former Minister Mangala Kissan (BJD), former Ganjam Zilla Parishad chairman Renubala Pradhan(BJD), Mr Balbir Punj (BJP) and Mr Ramachandra Khuntia (Cong) elected to the Upper House.

While Mr Mangala Kissan, Ms Renubala Pradhan and Mr Ramachandra Khuntia were issued certificate today sources said Mr Balabir Punj would collect his certificate tomorrow.

Five persons have filed their nominations for the Rajya Sabha seat. The nomination papers of Mr Binod Kumar Mishra (Ind) was rejected during scrutiny without any proposer and security money.

Four members of Rajya Sabha from the state- Mr Surendra Lath (BJP), Ms Pramilla Bohidar and Ms Sushri Devi (BJD) and Mr Dillip Ray (Ind)- are retiring after completing their terms.

UNI BD DP PP KLC1758