Nuapada By-Election Set for November 11: ECI Announces Key Dates Amid Political Shifts
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the by-election schedule for Odisha’s Nuapada Assembly constituency, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.
The poll, necessitated by the passing of senior BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia on September 8, will be held on November 11, 2025, with vote counting scheduled for November 14.
The gazette notification will be issued on October 13, followed by the nomination deadline on October 20. Scrutiny is set for October 22, and the final date for withdrawal is October 24.
The electoral roll will be published on October 9 to ensure a smooth voting process.
This by-election is part of a synchronised effort by the ECI, aligning with Bihar’s second-phase Assembly elections to streamline logistics across eight constituencies in seven states.
Nuapada, a tribal-dominated and agrarian region, has long been a BJD stronghold. Dholakia secured a commanding 52% vote share in the 2024 Assembly polls.
With his absence, the seat has become a battleground for the BJD, BJP, and Congress, each preparing to announce candidates in the coming days.
Political observers view this contest as a litmus test for both the ruling BJP and the opposition BJD, as shifting dynamics in Odisha could reshape future electoral strategies.
