Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: The Nuapada assembly constituency in Odisha is set for a pivotal by-election on November 11, with 2,53,624 voters eligible to cast their ballots. The electorate includes 1,24,108 men, 1,29,495 women, and 21 third-gender individuals, according to State Chief Electoral Officer R S Gopalan.

Inclusive Electorate
The final electoral roll reflects a diverse voter base, featuring 9,429 first-time voters, 3,988 persons with disabilities, and 1,786 senior citizens aged above 85. Special arrangements are being planned to ensure accessibility and comfort for elderly and differently-abled voters.

Also Read: Nuapada Bypoll: Tribal Votes And Sympathy Tactics On The Cards

Political Context
The by-election was necessitated by the passing of sitting BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia on September 8 due to health complications. Dholakia, a seasoned leader, had represented Nuapada four times—in 2004, 2009, 2019, and 2024—and served as a Minister in the Naveen Patnaik cabinet from 2022 to 2024.

Dholakia’s demise has shifted the balance in the 147-member Odisha Assembly, reducing the BJD’s count to 50 MLAs. The BJP currently holds 78 seats, Congress 14, CPI(M) one, and three seats are held by Independents.

Campaign Momentum
With the announcement of the bypoll, major political parties have begun mobilizing in Nuapada. Campaigns are expected to intensify in the coming weeks as parties vie for the crucial seat.
Meanwhile, the Congress party named Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate for the upcoming by-election. Both the ruling BJP and main opposition BJD are yet to announce their candidates.

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