Nuapada, Oct 18: The quiet and remote town of Nuapada in Odisha is witnessing a fierce political battle ahead of the November 11 bypoll. The battleground has intensified as the BJP, Congress, and BJD field their candidates and rope in top leaders to woo the voters.

BJP, Congress Candidates File Nominations

BJP candidate Jay Dholakia and Congress nominee Ghasiram Majhi submitted their respective nominations papers at the Deputy Collector’s office here today amid massive rallies.

BJP showcased its strength with a grand procession from Khariar Road, led by state president Manmohan Samal, Ministers, MLAs, and MPs. Jay Dholakia filed two sets of nomination papers and pledged to carry forward the double engine government’s development agenda in Nuapada.

Congress’ Ghasiram Majhi, hailed as “son of the soil,” began his rally from Telipada, accompanied by PCC President Bhakta Das and senior party leaders. Several senior party leaders accompanied him during the filing of his nominations.

BJD Candidate’s Controversial Remark

BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria is set to file her nomination tomorrow. In a controversial remark, she referred to BJD’s late leader Rajendra Dholakia as an “outsider,” despite the party using his name and image in the poll campaign. Her comments have stirred reactions within BJD ranks, with many distancing themselves from the statement.

Also Read: Odisha CM Slams BJD, Congress Over Silence on Durgapur Gang Rape; Vows Nuapada
Development

Star Campaigners Line Up

All three parties are lining up an array of heavyweight leaders to bolster their campaigns. BJP will be represented by Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Jual Oram, Ashwini Vaishnaw among others.

Congress brings in Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy and former CMs Giridhar Gamang and Bhupesh Baghel. BJD’s Naveen Patnaik will also hit the campaign trail.

BJP Govt’s First Electoral Test

The Nuapada by-election marks the first major electoral test for the BJP government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi since it assumed power in Odisha.

The by-election has been necessitated following the death of sitting BJD MLA and Jay Dholakia’s father, Rajendra Dholakia on September 8.