Rajya Sabha race heats up in Odisha as Congress extends support to BJD candidate

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) announced two candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls, despite having the numbers to ensure victory for only one. Naveen Patnaik, BJD supremo and former Chief Minister, nominated Dr. Santrupt Mishra as the first choice candidate while Dr. Datteswar Hota, a renowned doctor, was chosen as the "common" candidate. The Indian National Congress swiftly extended its support to Dr. Hota, potentially upsetting the Bharatiya Janata Party's bid for three seats from the state.