Nuapada, Nov 14: As counting for the Nuapada Assembly by-election began on Friday morning, early trends indicate a strong lead for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Jay Dholakia.

In the first round of counting, Dholakia secured a lead with 4,904 votes, while BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria trailed with 1,357 votes. Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi followed closely behind with 1,308 votes.

The momentum continued into the second round, with Dholakia extending his lead significantly.

By the end of the second round, Dholakia had garnered 10,436 votes. Congress’s Ghasiram Majhi stood at 2,234 votes, and BJD’s Snehangini had 3,023 votes.

Also read: Nuapada Bypoll Result To Be Declared Today

Vote counting is being conducted across 14 tables in 26 rounds, under tight security and supervision by election officials. The process is expected to continue through the day, with final results likely to be declared by evening.

The by-election has drawn significant attention as a key political contest in western Odisha, with all major parties eyeing a crucial win.

Further rounds of counting will determine whether the BJP can maintain its lead or if the BJD or Congress can stage a comeback.