Ex-Rajya Sabha MP Amar Patnaik Switches Sides

In a major political development ahead of the Nuapada Assembly bypoll, former Rajya Sabha MP and ex-BJD IT cell head Amar Patnaik has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His entry marks the saffron party’s third high-profile induction from Odisha within weeks, further intensifying the political churn in the state’s ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Patnaik, a former Principal Accountant General, joined the BJP on November 3 at the party’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar. The joining ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP state president Manmohan Samal, and party in-charge Vijay Pal Singh Tomar.

From Bureaucrat to Politician

After retiring from the civil service, Amar Patnaik entered politics in 2018 and quickly rose through the ranks of the Biju Janata Dal. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2023 for a term until 2024 and was regarded as one of BJD’s most articulate voices on economic policy, governance, and technology-driven reforms.

Announcing his decision to join the BJP, Patnaik said, “After serving Odisha, I also want to contribute to the development of the nation at large on a national platform. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision has deeply inspired me.”

A Pattern of Defections

Patnaik’s defection continues a growing pattern that has seen several BJD leaders switching allegiance to the BJP in recent months. Similar moves were earlier made by Mamata Mohanta and Sujit Kumar, both of whom resigned from the BJD and joined the BJP soon after.

Mohanta left the BJD in June 2024, while Sujit Kumar — then a sitting Rajya Sabha MP with 18 months left in his term — crossed over to the BJP and was subsequently re-nominated and re-elected by the saffron party in the ensuing bypoll.

This succession of high-profile defections appears to be part of the BJP’s strategy to consolidate its base in Odisha following its 2024 Assembly victory, signalling a calculated move to absorb prominent regional faces and further weaken the BJD’s organizational depth.

Shockwaves in the BJD Camp

Amar Patnaik’s exit has reportedly sent shockwaves through the BJD, particularly because of his reputation as one of the party’s key strategists and modern communicators. His departure is being viewed as a significant blow to Naveen Patnaik’s leadership, which has already been under scrutiny after a series of setbacks in recent months.

During his campaign trail in Nuapada on the very day of Amar Patnaik’s defection, Naveen Patnaik took a direct swipe at the BJP, accusing it of “stealing votes” and “engineering defections for political gain.”

Political observers say Amar Patnaik’s exit could widen internal rifts within the BJD, particularly among its old guard and technocratic wing, who are now being closely watched for their next move.

Nuapada Bypoll: A Test of Strength

The timing of the defection — just days before the November 11 Nuapada bypoll — has added fresh intrigue to an already charged contest. Analysts believe that the by-election outcome could serve as a barometer for the BJP’s growing influence in western Odisha and the BJD’s ability to retain its stronghold.

With the BJP aggressively wooing high-profile defectors and projecting itself as the “new face of Odisha’s political future,” Amar Patnaik’s induction could give the saffron party a symbolic edge heading into the bypolls.

Looking Ahead

As Odisha’s political landscape continues to shift, Amar Patnaik’s crossover underscores a deeper realignment in state politics. With several prominent BJD figures reportedly in talks with the BJP, the saffron surge in Odisha shows no signs of slowing down.

Whether this momentum translates into lasting political gains will become clearer after Nuapada’s verdict on November 11, a bypoll that may very well set the tone for the next phase of Odisha’s power politics.

The post Patnaik’s Defection Rocks BJD Ahead of Nuapada Bypoll – More to Follow? appeared first on Odisha Connect.

The Congress party has surged ahead in the Nuapada Assembly by-election by formally announcing Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate, while BJP and BJD are still deliberating over their choices. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) confirmed Majhi, the Nuapada District Congress Committee president, on Tuesday, sparking enthusiasm among party workers and setting the campaign in motion.

By-Election Sparks Political Excitement

The sudden demise of BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia has intensified political activity, with the by-election scheduled for November 11, 2025. Under the leadership of PCC president Bhakta Charan Das, Congress has already made a strong presence felt on the ground. On Monday, the PCC’s political affairs committee unanimously endorsed Majhi, and the AICC ratified the decision, sending a letter from the general secretary (organisation) that boosted party morale.

Majhi’s Political Track Record Inspires Confidence

A seasoned political figure, Majhi previously contested Nuapada in 2014 and 2019 on a Congress ticket and as an independent in 2024, finishing second with 50,941 votes. Considering the Congress vote share exceeded 65,000 in 2024, including 15,000 votes for then-PCC president Sarat Pattnaik, Das remains optimistic, stating, “Majhi’s strong local connection ensures a clear path to victory.”

BJD and BJP Yet to Finalise Candidates

Meanwhile, BJD and BJP have yet to announce their nominees, giving Congress an early advantage. Das has been actively mobilising party workers since Monday, particularly in Nuapada, which falls under his Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency, setting the tone for a highly competitive electoral battle.

The post Nuapada By-election: Congress Moves Fast, Rivals Left Confused appeared first on Odisha Connect.

The Congress party has taken its first decisive step toward reclaiming the Nuapada Assembly seat by announcing the candidature of Ghasiram Majhi. His nomination, confirmed by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Tuesday, has infused fresh enthusiasm among party workers across the region. The by-election, scheduled for November 11, 2025, follows the demise of Rajendra Dholakia, the sitting BJD MLA.

Consensus Choice Backed by PCC Leadership

At a meeting of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chaired by Bhakta Charan Das, Majhi—who also serves as the President of the Nuapada District Congress Committee—was chosen as the party’s candidate with full consensus. The PCC’s decision came after a detailed session on Monday, recognizing Majhi’s organizational strength and grassroots connection in the region.

Although Majhi has contested the Nuapada seat three times earlier—once as an Independent in 2024 and twice as a Congress nominee in 2014 and 2019, finishing second with 50,941 votes—he has yet to taste victory. Still, PCC president Bhakta Charan Das exudes confidence, citing a solid Congress vote base of over 65,000 in the constituency.

Early Campaign Momentum for Congress

The Congress has already launched its campaign in full swing. Bhakta Charan Das, who is also the MP from Kalahandi, under which the Nuapada constituency falls, led a four-day rally in the district, signalling a spirited start to the election season. This proactive approach is expected to put both BJD and BJP on the defensive, as neither has declared its candidate yet, leaving them behind in the initial phase of campaigning.

A Fierce Political Battle Ahead

The upcoming Nuapada by-election promises to be one of the most gripping contests in Odisha’s political landscape. As tensions rise and electoral strategies unfold, Ghasiram Majhi’s nomination has galvanized Congress supporters, setting the stage for a high-stakes triangular fight. With Congress entering the race early and leveraging its local network, the battle for Nuapada is poised to be both strategic and intense.

The post Congress Nominates Ghasiram Majhi for Nuapada Bypoll: A Strategic Move Toward Revival appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Nuapada Bypoll Scheduled for 11 November

The Election Commission of India has officially announced the Nuapada by-election, setting 11 November—the same day as Bihar’s elections—as the polling date. Political parties have begun intensive strategising, although official candidate declarations are still awaited.

Key Dates and Voting Details

Notifications will be issued on 13 October, with nominations closing on 20 October. Scrutiny of nominations is scheduled for 22 October, and withdrawals will be allowed until 24 October. Counting of votes will take place on 14 November. Over 2.48 lakh voters across 358 polling stations will be eligible to cast their votes. To ensure transparency, webcasting will be conducted during the elections. Voters may carry mobile phones, but polling agents are prohibited from doing so. Special arrangements will facilitate home voting for senior citizens, and candidates must disclose cases against them three times.

Campaign Trail Heats Up

The election campaign is already in full swing, with candidates and their supporters visiting villages to engage voters. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s recent visit to Bhubaneswar has energized the BJP camp, while Congress, under the leadership of its PCC president, is projecting confidence. Jay Dholakia of the BJD has also been reaching out to constituents, although the party’s top leadership has not yet joined the campaign trail.

A High-Stakes Contest

With strategies being rolled out and intense political activity across the constituency, the Nuapada by-election promises to be a thrilling and closely watched contest that will keep voters and political analysts on edge.

The post Nuapada By-Election: Campaign Heats Up As Voting Date Announced appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi recently visited Nuapada and inaugurated or laid the foundation for 957 development works, cumulatively valued at ₹1,101 crore. Focusing primarily on irrigation, he released ₹802.09 crore for various schemes aimed at transforming local farmers’ lives, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring sustainable development across the district.

Sub-Registration Offices to Improve Public Services

Majhi announced the establishment of sub-registration offices in all tehsils of Odisha to address the current gap, as 107 out of 317 blocks currently lack such offices. In the first phase, Nuapada’s Sinapali, Komana, and Boden tehsils, along with four tehsils of Malkangiri, will receive new sub-registration offices, making government services more accessible to citizens.

Urban Governance Reforms in Nuapada

The Chief Minister also upgraded Khariar Road to a municipality, Komana to a Notified Area Council (NAC), and merged the Sinapali and Godal panchayats to form Sinapali NAC. These measures aim to enhance urban governance and provide better civic facilities to residents.

Political Reactions Ahead of Nuapada Bypoll

The BJP hailed these initiatives as “double benefits” under the double-engine government and invited Nuapada voters to support them. Meanwhile, the BJD criticized the projects as pre-election goodies, claiming public loyalty remains with them. The Congress showcased its influence with a massive rally, demonstrating its presence in the region.

Commitment to Nuapada’s Development

During his previous seven-month tenure, Majhi executed projects worth ₹1,420 crore, reinforcing his dedication to Nuapada’s progress and hands-on oversight of the district’s development initiatives.

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