Bhubaneswar, Feb. 14 -- Ending all speculations, the ruling BJD on Wednesday extended its support to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the Rajya Sabha seat from Odisha.

In a statement, BJD President Naveen Patnaik said on Wednesday the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will support the candidature of Union Railways, Communication, and Information and Technology Minister for the greater interest of the state's railways and telecom development in the ensuing election to the Rajya Sabha.

The party had earlier on Monday announced the names of two candidates-former BJD MLA Debashish Samantray and Biju Yuva Janata Dal Vice President Subhasish Khuntia-who had filed their nominations on Tuesday.

Although elections would be held for three Rajya Sabha s...