Nuapada: The campaign for the Nuapada Assembly by-election, scheduled for November 11, has reached a fever pitch as major political parties deploy their top leaders in the high-stakes triangular contest. The by-poll was necessitated by the untimely demise of the sitting Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA, Rajendra Dholakia.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which rules the state, intensified its campaign today with Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi holding a roadshow and a public meeting in Komna block.
Adding significant momentum, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai also joined the canvassing effort in Panchampur village, targeting areas along the Chhattisgarh border where the neighbouring state’s influence is notable. The BJP has fielded Jay Dholakia, the late MLA’s son, hoping to leverage both the sympathy factor and the power of the incumbent government.
In response, the opposition BJD and Congress are preparing their final push. BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced he will return to the constituency on November 7 to address a public meeting at Khariar Road, seeking votes for the BJD candidate, Snehangini Chhuria.
Meanwhile, the Congress, which has nominated tribal leader Ghasiram Majhi, will see Telangana Chief Minister Shri A Revanth Reddy campaigning on the same day.
The intense battle has also led to allegations of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations. Both the BJD and the Congress have lodged separate complaints with the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the ruling BJP of malpractice. The complaints allege that the BJP has used minor children in its election rallies and is attempting to influence women voters by distributing sarees, sometimes accompanied by cash. The opposition parties have demanded immediate intervention from the ECI to ensure a free and fair election process.
With the campaigning window set to close on November 9, the Nuapada by-poll is viewed as a crucial barometer of voter sentiment following the state’s change in government last year, making it a prestige battle for the BJP, BJD, and Congress alike.