Nuapada, Oct 15: With the by-election in Nuapada scheduled for November 11, political activity in the region is at its peak. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) are locked in a fierce contest, each ramping up efforts to consolidate voter support through high-profile events and strategic defections.

State BJP President Manmohan Samal arrived in Nuapada today to spearhead the party’s campaign. He is set to address a massive public gathering at the playground near Udyanbandh in Komna block, where several BJD-backed sarpanches, social workers, and intellectuals are expected to formally join the BJP. Sources indicate that over 1,500 voters from other parties will also switch allegiance to the saffron camp.

Congress has already declared Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate and is actively campaigning across the region. Meanwhile, the BJP has officially announced Jay Dholakia as its candidate. The BJD, however, remains undecided on its candidate, fuelling speculation and internal jockeying.

In a bid to counter BJP’s momentum, BJD is planning its own get-together in Komna, while Congress is conducting similar outreach programs in Dharambandha, Sarabang, and Kuliabandha to attract new supporters.

Adding to the political drama, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to visit Nuapada tomorrow for a roadshow. Party insiders suggest that thousands of BJD leaders and supporters may defect to the BJP during the event, further tilting the balance ahead of the polls.

BJP’s state president is expected to remain in Nuapada for the next two to three days to fine-tune the party’s strategy and maximize voter outreach, aiming for a decisive victory in the upcoming by-election.