The BJP has officially announced Debasish Samantray as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election in Odisha. Samantray, who recently resigned from the BJD, expressed his commitment to state development after being picked by the BJP. According to the Election Commission of India, polling for the Rajya Sabha seat is scheduled for June 18, with the nomination deadline set for June 8. Voting will take place from 8 AM to 4 PM, and counting will begin at 5 PM on the same day. https://sambad.in/state/debashish-samantaray-bjp-rajya-sabha-candidate-odisha-election-2026-12001946 #creator program