Tensions Rise Ahead of Nuapada By-Election

As the BJD, BJP, and Congress gear up for the crucial by-election in the Nuapada Assembly constituency, each party faces the dual challenge of winning voter confidence while managing discontent within its own ranks. The political atmosphere has grown increasingly tense, marked by suspicion and mistrust that mirror the insecurities within party alliances and the fierce ambitions driving their next electoral strategies. With campaigning scheduled to end on November 9, emotions are running high—an inevitable hallmark of Odisha’s intense political contests.

BJP Struggles with Candidate Choice

The BJP’s decision to field Jay Dholakia, who only recently crossed over from the BJD, has stirred considerable resentment within party circles. Longtime aspirants like Abhinandan Panda, son of former MLA Basant Panda, along with Prasanna Padhi and Yadumani Panigrahi, were actively lobbying for the ticket. The sudden choice has left many of them disgruntled.

In an attempt to ease tensions, party insiders have reportedly offered Basant Panda a Rajya Sabha seat in exchange for his full support. While Panda is visibly active in the campaign, sources say the loyalty of his close aides remains under close scrutiny. Many grassroots BJP workers, who have historically opposed the Dholakia family, now appear hesitant to back the new candidate.

Adding to the unease, some of Dholakia’s old supporters from his BJD days have joined the BJP campaign, a move that has further complicated internal dynamics and widened the trust gap within the saffron camp.

BJD Faces Backlash Over Outsider Candidate

The Biju Janata Dal is grappling with its own wave of dissatisfaction. The selection of Snehangini Chhuria, an outsider hailing from another district, as the party’s candidate has not gone down well with local leaders who have been loyal to the BJD for decades.

While the party’s top leadership has intensified its campaign to project unity and support Chhuria, insiders say the trust deficit persists. Senior leaders are closely monitoring the activities of Abani Joshi (District President), Nuapada Block Chairperson Tareshwari Sahu, Manoj Mishra, and Bhanupratap Singh Majhi.

Observers say even their informal interactions are being tracked to ensure they do not meet rival party representatives without prior permission—a sign of how cautious and controlling the BJD’s internal management has become in this election.

Congress Stays Calm but Watches for Defections

In contrast to its rivals, the Congress appears relatively calm internally. The early announcement of Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate helped the party maintain unity and avoid last-minute rifts. However, there is a noticeable absence of former PCC president Sarat Pattanayak, who had contested from Nuapada in the last general election. His silence and lack of public appearances have raised eyebrows within party ranks.

Despite strong backing from coastal leaders now stationed in Nuapada, the Congress campaign still faces subtle challenges. Local party figures fear potential poaching attempts, as both the BJD and BJP are reportedly reaching out to influential Congress workers to defect. Senior Congress strategists are keeping a close watch on such developments while relying heavily on the support and coordination of leaders from nearby constituencies.

Countdown to November 9: High Stakes and Tight Control

With the campaign period ending on November 9, all parties are under strict instructions to comply with election norms. As per the Election Commission’s guidelines, external leaders and campaigners must vacate the constituency after the deadline.

The final 36 hours will be crucial, as senior strategists oversee operations from outside while local cadres execute the on-ground plan. Yet, beneath the surface, internal grievances among dissatisfied leaders could erupt at the last moment, derailing carefully laid strategies.

Political analysts believe that in a close contest like Nuapada, even minor acts of indiscipline or passive resistance from within could decisively tilt the balance.

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