New Delhi, Sep 28: In a major update from Odisha, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a by-election for the Nuapada Assembly constituency (Seat No. 71), following the demise of sitting MLA Rajendra Dholakia. This bypoll will be held alongside the Bihar Assembly elections and similar elections in nine other states.

The ECI has confirmed the deployment of central observers to ensure free and fair elections across all constituencies. These observers will oversee the entire voting process and coordinate with police and administrative officials to maintain law and order. They will also monitor candidates’ election expenditure to ensure compliance with electoral norms.

A total of 370 officers will be deployed as observers, including 320 IAS officers, 60 IPS officers, and 90 other officials. Their presence is expected to strengthen transparency and accountability during the bypolls.

The Nuapada seat fell vacant after the passing of four-time MLA Rajendra Dholakia on September 8. He was undergoing treatment at MGM Hospital in Chennai for a heart transplant but passed away before the procedure could be completed.

Dholakia had previously served as Chairman of Khariar Road NAC and was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly four times — once as an Independent and thrice on a BJD ticket. He also held the position of Minister of Planning and Coordination in the former BJD government.

His death has left a significant void in Nuapada’s political landscape, and the upcoming bypoll is expected to be closely watched. With the announcement of the election schedule, political parties are gearing up to nominate candidates and begin campaigning.

The bypoll will not only decide the future representative of Nuapada but also reflect the region’s political sentiment following the loss of a seasoned leader.