In Odisha, the BJP has nominated senior tribal leader Mamata Mohanta for the Rajya Sabha by-poll, scheduled to be held on 3rd of next month. The party has announced the name of Mamata Mohanta for the lone Rajya Sabha seat lying vacant following her resignation last month from the Upper House as a BJD member. A day after resigning from Rajya Sabha and BJD, Mamata Mohanta had joined the BJP. She had resigned from the BJD alleging she was neglected by the party. The BJP is almost certain to win the by-poll as it has 78 MLAs in the 147-member Odisha Legislative Assembly.