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According to the News Arena Network, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering nominating Mumbai-based entrepreneur Harihar Mahapatra for the upcoming 2024 Rajya Sabha elections representing Jharkhand. 

On Thursday, both Sarfaraz Ahmed, a former JMM MLA, and BJP's Harihar Mahapatra acquired the necessary forms to become candidates in the Rajya Sabha polls. With the nomination deadline set for March 11 and elections scheduled for March 21, the stakes are high as the terms of Dheeraj Sahu from Congress and Sameer Oraon from BJP draw to a close. 

Previously, Harihar Mahapatra made headlines with a significant Rs 1100 crore investment in SpiceJet, revitalising the airline and securing a 19 per cent stake in the same.

Earlier, despite his support from the BJP in the 2016 Rajya Sabha elections, he was defeated by Congress's Kapil Sibal.

Harihar Mahapatra, alongside his spouse Preeti Mahapatra, spearheads the Mumbai-based Mahapatra Universal Limited Company. Boasting over 16 years in business and holding an MBA, Harihar serves as the chairman of this conglomerate, engaging in sectors including consultancy, consumer goods, real estate, and retail.

Despite a notable attempt to erect India’s tallest building in Gujarat's Khajod—an endeavour that stalled after an investment of Rs 5.5 crore—Harihar remains a prominent figure. Preeti Mahapatra, with a master’s in International Business Finance and Export Management, has successfully introduced numerous brands to markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, while also managing several NGOs.

Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to be the candidate for the JMM, having vacated his Gandeya assembly seat on December 31, 2023, potentially to clear the path for a member of the Soren family in anticipation of Hemant Soren's possible arrest. However, this plan was thwarted by ECI regulations mandating elections for vacant seats.

Previously, Harihar Mahapatra made headlines with a significant Rs 1100 crore investment in SpiceJet, revitalising the airline. Despite his support from the BJP in the 2016 Rajya Sabha elections, he was defeated by Congress's Kapil Sibal.