Nuapada: The campaigns in the Nuapada by-election are a high-stakes three-way contest where the BJP promises swift development under CM Mohan Charan Majhi and capitalizes on Jay Dholakia’s legacy; the BJD relies on Naveen Patnaik’s enduring appeal while decrying political “betrayal”; and the Congress focuses on local identity, basic needs, and tackling migration with tribal leader Ghasiram Majhi.
The BJP’s rallies and roadshows, especially the “Vijay Sankalp Samavesh” led by CM Mohan Charan Majhi and supported by Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, are described as “massive power shows” and “well-attended”. Party sources expected his roadshow to attract a “massive crowd, adding vigour” to the campaign.
CM Shri Majhi has taken “personal responsibility” for the development of Nuapada, promising that the long-neglected district will witness a “new wave of development” under the ‘double-engine’ government. He also highlighted a major ₹1,100 crore development package announced for the district.
BJP leaders claim the massive turnout has “unsettled both parties” (BJD and Congress) and indicates a “groundswell of support” for a landmark win.
BJD President and former CM Naveen Patnaik’s public meeting at Komna was well-covered by the media, with the BJD president himself later thanking the people of the constituency for their “positive response” to his public meeting. He announced a return to Khariar Road to address another public meeting.
Shri Patnaik’s main poll pitch has been “theft” and “betrayal,” referring to the BJP’s alleged ‘vote theft’ in the general election and ‘candidate theft’ (Jay Dholakia joining the BJP). He urged the people to punish this betrayal by voting for the BJD. He also targeted the current government, calling it “hero in propaganda and zero in work” for allegedly halting development and failing to deliver on welfare promises.
BJD leaders emphasize Patnaik’s “enduring appeal” and claim that the people “miss the developmental initiatives” launched during his tenure, believing voters will “teach the BJP a lesson.” However, opposition (Congress) critics suggest his campaign, though creating a “buzz,” may not “sway the voters” as much as it did in the past.
The Congress party’s strategy emphasizes local pride and addresses the core issues of poverty, health, and migration. Positioning their candidate, Ghasiram Majhi, a tribal leader with a strong performance as an Independent in the last general election, Congress is campaigning against what it terms the “outsider imposition” by both the BJP and BJD, whose candidates are claimed to have less entrenched local ties.
The Congress manifesto, released recently, promises to tackle the district’s chronic issue of migration by providing permanent employment, streamlining the MGNREGS, and establishing agro-based industries. It focuses heavily on tribal development, including granting land rights based on forest rights, and promises improvements to irrigation by raising the height of the Patora dam and constructing a barrage over the Jonk river. The party is trying to resonate with the marginalized communities and farmers who feel neglected by the previous governments.