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.

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Shreemayee Mishra Stirs Controversy Again

Senior BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra has once again created ripples in Odisha’s political circles. Through a social media post, she invoked the metaphor of a “fake monk”, which many interpret as a veiled critique of her party’s leadership. This comes soon after her earlier controversial reference to the “Dhritarashtra narrative”, which had already drawn attention within the party.

Inspiration from a Web Series

In her latest post, Mishra reflected on a web series directed by Bollywood filmmaker Prakash Jha, streamed on an OTT platform. While praising the actors and the depth of the story on themes of renunciation and asceticism, she quickly shifted her remarks toward philosophical and political reflections.

The Metaphor of the “Fake Monk”

Mishra emphasized that society holds monks and ascetics in high regard for giving up worldly attachments. However, when such renunciation is hypocritical or insincere, people brand them as “fake monks.” Drawing a parallel with the present, she suggested that many who claim detachment are, in reality, seeking spotlight and comfort.

Her sharpest remark came in the line:

“Some chant the name of Jagannath for others but end up falling themselves.”
A statement widely viewed as a subtle jab at certain BJD leaders.

Political Undertones and Reactions

Mishra has a reputation for indirect yet biting criticism of the party’s top brass. Despite being surrounded by controversies, she has consistently spoken her mind. With her latest comments, the BJD leadership now faces a dilemma — should it discipline her or ignore her words? The party’s response could determine the next chapter of internal dynamics.

Spirituality and Hypocrisy in Focus

Beyond politics, Mishra’s post touched on the changing spiritual landscape. She praised true ascetics who embody wisdom, sacrifice, and devotion — meditating under trees and riversides, seeking higher truths, and praying for universal welfare. In contrast, she denounced pseudo-ascetics whose actions contradict their words.

Morality, Leadership, and Metaphors

By merging spiritual philosophy with political allegory, Shreemayee Mishra has reignited debates about morality, leadership, and hypocrisy within public life. Her words continue to resonate, leaving both party insiders and the public questioning the future of the BJD’s internal cohesion.

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