Bhubaneswar, Oct 22: The Nuapada Assembly by-election is entering a crucial phase on Wednesday as the scrutiny of nomination papers begins.

With 19 candidates having filed their nominations, the Election Commission will now verify the validity of each submission. The final list of accepted candidates will be announced after the scrutiny process concludes.

The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 24, after which the electoral battle will officially take shape. Among the prominent candidates are Jay Dholakia from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Snehangini Chhuria from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Ghasiram Majhi representing the Indian National Congress.

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Other party candidates include Ramakant Hati (Samajwadi Party), Hemant Tandi (Bahujan Mukti Party), Raja Ram Sahoo (Bahujan Samaj Party), Shukadhar Dandsena (Odisha Janata Dal), and Sitaram Behera (Rashtriya Parivartan Dal).

In addition to these party-backed contenders, 11 independent candidates have also entered the fray. These include Ashray Mahanand, E. Chakranta Jena, Purushottam Behera, Kamal Kumar Chhatria, Bhubanalal Sahoo, Lochan Majhi, Bhujabal Adabanga, Kishore Kumar Bag, Bhakta Bandhu Dharua, Neeta Bag, and Laxmikant Tandi.

The Nuapada by-election has drawn attention due to the diverse mix of candidates and parties, setting the stage for a multi-cornered contest. Political observers are closely watching the scrutiny process, which will determine who officially remains in the race.

As the final candidate list is expected later on Wednesday, all eyes are on the Election Commission’s decisions regarding acceptance or rejection of nomination papers. The outcome will shape the electoral dynamics ahead of polling day.