Voter Silence Haunts Leaders as Nuapada By-Election Enters Final Frenzy

Bhubaneswar, Oct 31: The Nuapada by-election in Odisha is shaping up to be a riveting contest, with top leaders from the three major parties—Congress, BJD, and BJP—camping in the constituency to rally support for their candidates. Ministers, MLAs, and party workers are leaving no stone unturned, engaging in door-to-door campaigns and public meetings. However, the voters’ eerie silence has left party leaders anxious about the outcome.

The by-election was triggered by the death of former MLA Rajendra Dholakia, who first won as an independent in 2004 before joining the BJD. Under the BJD banner, he secured victory in three out of four subsequent elections, establishing himself as an unchallenged leader in the region.

In a surprising twist, his son Jay Dholakia is contesting this time on a BJP ticket. While many voters express sympathy for Jay, invoking memories of his father with chants of “Raju Bhai Zindabad,” the shift in party and symbol has created confusion, especially in rural areas. Campaigners report that supporters are struggling to reconcile the change, leading to dilemmas during rallies.

The BJD has fielded former minister Snehangini Chhuria, a popular woman leader from the Attabira area in Bargarh district. However, her outsider status has become a point of attack from rivals, making it challenging for BJD workers to garner support. Voters who revered the conch symbol under Rajendra are now hesitant about the new candidate, despite the party’s strong organisational push. Rural voters, in particular, are grappling with this transition.

On the Congress side, Ghasiram Majhi, who ran as an independent in the 2024 elections and secured over 50,000 votes, is now the official candidate. His strong base among tribal communities had previously criticised the Congress’s ticket distribution, prompting his independent run. Now, as a Congress nominee just 17 months later, questions arise about how his supporters and voters will adapt to this shift.

All parties are pulling out the big guns for the final stretch. BJP candidate Jay’s mother, Kalpana Dholakia, and wife, Suman Dholakia, are actively campaigning, joined by Rajendra’s two sisters from outside Odisha. BJD’s Snehangini is touring from dawn to dusk, visiting tribal areas like the Sunabeda sanctuary to seek support from primitive tribes and forest dwellers, accompanied by top party leaders. Congress’s Ghasiram has been engaging directly with farmers in paddy fields.

Star campaigners are set to intensify the battle. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to visit Nuapada, while opposition leader Naveen Patnaik will campaign for BJD. Congress plans to bring in heavyweights like former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel. With BJP in power in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, leaders from there are also joining Jay’s efforts. The BJP state president Manmohan Samal, along with eight ministers, the deputy CM, and MLAs, have set up camp in the area.

Campaigning has reached a fever pitch, with leaders traversing villages and homes. From November 2, the intensity is expected to rise further. Yet, the voters’ reticence—offering no clear indications of preference—has thrown all three parties into a state of worry. The constituency, once a BJD stronghold, now witnesses cross-party shifts among leaders and independents.

As the election draws near, the question remains: Who will emerge victorious in this triangular fight? The results on November 16 will reveal whether sympathy for the Dholakia family, local loyalty, or party machinery sways the silent voters.