Snehangini Chhuria Files Nomination for Nuapada By-Election, BJD Eyes Western Odisha Stronghold
Nuapada, Odisha, Oct 20: In a significant political development ahead of the November 11 by-election, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate Snehangini Chhuria officially filed her nomination papers for the Nuapada Assembly constituency today.
The filing, which took place on the final day of nominations, signals the start of a high-stakes triangular contest in western Odisha.
Chhuria was accompanied by senior BJD leaders, including Prasanna Acharya, Pramilla Mallik, and Tukuni Sahu, underscoring the party’s strategic emphasis on retaining its influence in the region.
The nomination event was kept modest, with around 30–40 party workers in attendance, following a massive roadshow that showcased the BJD’s grassroots mobilisation.
The by-election was necessitated following the demise of sitting BJP MLA Rajendra Dholakia.
His son, Jay Dholakia, has been fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while the Congress has nominated Ghasiram Majhi, setting the stage for a three-way electoral battle.
Political analysts view the Nuapada by-election as a litmus test for all three major parties, especially with the 2025 Odisha Assembly elections on the horizon.
The BJD is expected to intensify its campaign, with party supremo Naveen Patnaik likely to visit the constituency for a two-day campaign blitz.
As the campaign trail heats up, all eyes are on Nuapada, which could serve as a bellwether for the political mood in western Odisha.
