By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, March 7, 2018: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday named Ama Odisha chief and editor of Sambad, an Odia daily, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, founder of KIIT and KISS Achyuta Samanta and party spokesperson Prashanta Nanda for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha poll.

The names of three candidates were announced by Odisha chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday at his residence Naveen Niwas.

Both Soumya Ranjan and Achyuta had joined the BJD at a special function held at Naveen Niwas early in the day.

BJD picked up Soumya Ranjan Patnaik for Rajya Sabha as part of its strategy to corner Congress vote bank in the State, political observers said.

“I thank party president for nominating me for Rajya Sabha and it is certainly a big responsibility that has been given to me,” said Prashanta Nanda.

The nomination of Samant sprung a surprise among the party workers. “I was with people and busy doing social work and will continue to work for the development of the State,” said Achyuta Samant.

Soumya Ranjan Patnaik also stated that he would continue his fight and raise several issues including the farmers plight, chit fund scam and others in the larger interest of the people of Odisha.