Tirkey likely to be sent to RS again

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is likely to repeat Dilip Tirkey for Rajya Sabha membership. Tirkey’s tenure along with tht of two others from the State is ending in April. He is now the Leader of BJD Parliamentary Party in the Upper House.

While the State Government is promoting hockey in a big way, there is every possibility that the ruling party would send the hockey icon to the Rajya Sabha again.

The other possible reason is that Tirkey is likely to be fielded for Sundargarh Lok Sabha seat in 2019 general elections and his continuance as Upper House member gives him added advantage of extending MPLAD funds for development in and around Sundargarh.

On his return from New Delhi, BJD supremo Patnaik on Sunday said people in the field of politics would be sent to the Rajya Sanba and said nominees would be declared at an appropriate time.

Notably, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced to notify RS elections on March 5. While the last date of filing of nominations has been fixed for March 12, scrutiny set for March 13. Candidates can withdraw nomination papers by March 15. Voting would be held on March 23 and results would be announced on that day.

Three of 58 Rajya Sabha seats lying vacant belong to Odisha. Apart from Tirkey, the term of AU Singh Deo and AV Swami is also ending.