As the Nuapada by-election heads into its decisive final phase, the real battle appears to be raging not just at the ballot box but within the political parties themselves. Behind the scenes, BJP, BJD, and Congress leaders are struggling to douse internal fires, placate discontented insiders, and guard against potential “Vibhishanas” — defectors or saboteurs who could derail campaigns at the eleventh hour.

BJP’s Gamble Backfires: Anger Over Jay Dholakia’s Entry

The BJP has found itself grappling with rebellion and resentment after announcing Jay Dholakia, a recent defector from the BJD, as its candidate for the by-election. The move, intended to strengthen the party’s prospects, has instead unsettled loyal workers who feel sidelined.

Insiders reveal that several rounds of damage-control meetings are underway at the state level to manage the internal fallout. However, acceptance of the new entrant remains uncertain. Many in the party’s traditional core fear that Dholakia’s nomination could fracture the BJP’s grassroots unity in the constituency.

Adding to the suspicion, some of Dholakia’s former BJD loyalists have been spotted campaigning in BJP colours, fuelling speculation that old allegiances may not have truly shifted.

BJD Faces a Mirror Challenge With Snehangini Chhuria

If the BJP is struggling with an outsider, the BJD is facing its own version of the same crisis. After Dholakia’s defection, the ruling party parachuted Snehangini Chhuria — a leader from outside the district — as its candidate, stunning local aspirants who had long nurtured hopes of representing the party.

While Chhuria’s campaign has gathered momentum, unease among local leaders persists. Some long-time BJD functionaries have reportedly withdrawn from active campaigning, their discontent simmering just beneath the surface. The leadership remains vigilant against possible acts of passive resistance or sabotage from within.

Congress Quiet on the Surface, Uneasy Beneath

Unlike its rivals, the Congress has maintained a public façade of calm. Its candidate, Ghasiram Majhi, was declared early, sparing the party from immediate internal backlash. However, reports suggest that both the BJP and BJD have been quietly reaching out to influential Congress figures, hoping to weaken Majhi’s support base from within.

This “invisible poaching” has created uncertainty in the Congress camp, with whispers of cross-party sympathies and secret understandings circulating as polling day nears.

Last-Minute Damage Control Before Silence Period

With the campaigning window closing, local party chiefs are racing to ensure cohesion and loyalty among their cadres. Meetings, closed-door negotiations, and emotional appeals are being made to contain dissent.

Political observers note that these final 48 hours could prove decisive — not only for voters’ choices but for party integrity itself. The results will ultimately reveal whether unity or betrayal shapes the outcome in Nuapada’s fiercely contested by-election.

A Test of Nerves and Loyalty

As tension peaks, Nuapada has turned into a pressure cooker of ambition and anxiety. For all three major parties, the battle is as much about defeating rivals as it is about surviving internal fault lines. The coming days will determine who truly commands loyalty — and who quietly crosses the line when the stakes are highest.