Nuapada, Nov 14: As vote counting continues for the Nuapada Assembly by-election in Odisha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Jay Dholakia has taken a significant early lead over his rivals from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Indian National Congress.

According to the latest updates, Dholakia secured 4,904 votes in the first round, establishing a strong margin over BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria, who garnered 1,357 votes, and Congress’s Ghasiram Majhi, who received 1,308 votes.

In the second round, Dholakia extended his lead further, reaching 10,436 votes, while Chhuria and Majhi trailed with 3,023 and 2,234 votes respectively.

Similarly, in the third round, Dholakia has secured 14,370 votes, placing him well ahead of his nearest rivals. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate Snehangini Chhuria has received 4,357 votes, while Congress Ghasiram Majhi trails with 3,530 votes.

The Nuapada bypoll is being closely watched as a key political contest in western Odisha. The seat fell vacant following the resignation of the sitting MLA, prompting a three-way battle between the BJP, BJD, and Congress.

Also read: BJP’s Jay Dholakia Maintains Strong Lead AfterFirst And Second Rounds

Counting is being conducted across 14 tables in 26 rounds, under tight security and the supervision of election officials. The final result is expected later in the day.