Nuapada By-Election Heats Up as BJP, BJD, Congress Lock Horns Amid Bihar Polls

Nuapada — The political temperature in Nuapada is rising sharply ahead of the upcoming by-election, which coincides with the Bihar assembly polls.

The Election Commission of India has deployed 470 central observers across eight states, including Odisha, to ensure smooth conduct.

The by-election was triggered by the passing of sitting MLA Rajendra Dholakia, marking Odisha’s first electoral contest since the 2024 general elections.

Though the official notification is pending, the three major parties—BJP, BJD, and Congress—have already launched aggressive campaigns.

BJP state president Manmohan Samal emphasised the region’s underdevelopment and promised transformative governance. Speculation suggests the BJP may field Abhinandan Panda, son of senior leader Basant Panda.

Congress, led by PCC president Bhakta Charan Das, claims a strong voter base and aims to capitalise on the vacuum left by Dholakia’s demise. Ghasi Ram Majhi is likely to be their candidate.

BJD, defending its turf, may nominate Jay Dholakia, the late MLA’s son, banking on sympathy votes. Senior leader Pramila Mallik asserted that Nuapada remains a BJD stronghold and dismissed opposition claims.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has taken personal interest, calling Nuapada his “responsibility” and attending condolence meetings, further intensifying the political narrative.

As the battle lines sharpen, the Nuapada by-election is shaping up to be more than a local contest—it’s a prestige fight for BJD and a litmus test for BJP’s governance in Odisha.