Nuapada By-election: Campaigning intensifies as 14 candidates remain in fray

The political heat is rising in Odisha's Nuapada ahead of the by-election, with 14 candidates officially remaining in the fray after the withdrawal process concluded on Friday. According to election officials, 19 candidates had initially filed their nominations. Of these, five were rejected during the scrutiny phase, and none of the remaining contenders withdrew their papers.

The contest is expected to turn triangular, with the BJP’s Jay Dholakia, BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria, and Congress’s Ghasiram Majhi emerging as the key contenders.

Polling for the Nuapada by-election will be held on November 11, followed by counting and result declaration on November 14.

Campaigns Underway Across Constituency

With the poll date nearing, all three major political parties, the BJP, BJD, and the Congress, have begun implementing their respective campaign strategies. Senior leaders of each party are actively visiting various areas of the constituency to connect with voters and strengthen their ground presence.

For the BJP, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida is set to kick start campaigning in Nuapada on Saturday. She is expected to address women voters and highlight the provisions of the Subhadra Yojana during her visit. 

BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria has also started her campaign activities. She is set to visit different villages under Komna Block, reportedly.

Congress Ramps Up Grassroots Outreach

The Congress campaign is also gaining traction, with the party launching its outreach programme in Nuapada and Komna blocks from Saturday. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Das, along with several senior leaders and MLAs, has reached Nuapada to lead the campaign. They have been conducting door-to-door visits and holding discussions with residents to secure voter support.

As campaigning continues across the constituency, all parties are working to mobilise their support bases ahead of polling day, making the Nuapada by-election a closely watched political event in the state.