Hectic lobbying on for 3 RS seats; reports say Tirkey and Singhdeo want extension

BHUBANESWAR: A number of senior MLAs and ministers in the cabinet have expressed interest in a Rajya Sabha stint, elections for which are going to be held on March 23. Three Rajya Sabha seats are falling vacant with the tenure of Dilip Tirkey, AU Singhdeo and AV Swami (BJD-backed Independent candidate) coming to an end in April.
Amid hectic lobbying, sources said BJD president and chief minister Naveen Patnaik could announce the names of the candidates within the next few days. Initially it was thought that Tirkey and Singhdeo won't be getting another term, but it is now believed that both have sought an extension.

With the state playing host to the Hockey World Cup this year, Tirkey might get a special assignment at a different level, a source said.

Names of Prasanta Nanda, Arabinda Dhali, Sarda Nayak, Rabi Narayan Nanda, Munna Khan, Raghunath Mohanty and Bimbadhar Kuanr are considered to be in the mix for the three seats.