Political Power Play: Parties Parade for Nuapada Poll Prestige

The political temperature in Nuapada soared today as Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate Snehangini Chhuria filed her nomination papers amid thunderous cheers from supporters and party workers. Accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Niranjan Bishi and senior leader Sanjay Das Burma, Chhuria’s nomination marked the final filing on the last day, setting the stage for an intense and high-decibel campaign.

Heavyweight Presence in BJP Camp

Earlier, on October 18, BJP candidate Jay Dholakia, son of late MLA Rajendra Dholakia, filed his nomination in a grand procession that displayed the saffron party’s strength and organization.
Dholakia was joined by top BJP figures including State Party President Manmohan Samal, Kalahandi MP Malvika Deo, and former state BJP chief Basant Panda along with his son Abhinandan Panda.
The young candidate’s confident demeanour reflected both his political lineage and the party’s determination to retain its growing influence in western Odisha.

Congress Joins the Fray

Adding another dimension to the contest, Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi also filed his nomination on the same day, officially turning the Nuapada by-election into a triangular political battle.
The grand old party hopes to reclaim lost ground by focusing on local issues, farmer distress, and unemployment, while banking on traditional vote bases.Campaign Momentum Builds Up

With nominations complete, the spotlight now shifts to campaign strategies and star appearances.
The BJP, in its first full 15-month term in power in Odisha, is flaunting its developmental achievements and welfare initiatives.
The Congress, on the other hand, is targeting the ruling party over law and order concerns and administrative lapses.
Meanwhile, the BJD faces a crucial litmus test, aiming to prove its resilience and organizational strength after the BJP’s successful poaching of the late MLA’s son.

Star Campaigners to Descend on Nuapada

A galaxy of political heavyweights is expected to campaign in Nuapada in the coming days.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Juel Oram, along with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, are likely to headline the BJP campaign trail.

On the other side, BJD’s senior leadership, including Naveen Patnaik’s trusted strategists, are gearing up to reclaim the lost turf with a renewed grassroots push.

Prestige Battle in Odisha’s Heartland

The by-election, necessitated by the demise of sitting MLA Rajendra Dholakia, is far more than a routine political exercise. It has evolved into a prestige contest—testing the BJP’s administrative credibility and the BJD’s organizational might in Odisha’s heartland.

As the campaigns heat up, all eyes are now on Nuapada, where heritage, performance, and loyalty will determine which party emerges victorious in this high-stakes electoral battle.