Nuapada bypoll battle heats up as nomination scrutiny ends; parties ramp up campaign strategy

With the scrutiny of nomination papers completed on Wednesday, political activities in Nuapada have gathered momentum ahead of the November 11 by-election, setting the stage for an intense triangular contest between the BJD, BJP, and Congress.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 24, after which the final list of contenders will be announced.

Campaigns Gain Pace as Parties Unveil Strategies

All three major political parties have rolled out their campaign strategies, with party cadres already fanning out across rural belts to mobilise voters.

The BJD, determined to reclaim the constituency, has positioned development as its central poll plank.

The party will formally kick off its campaign from Wednesday, beginning with prayers at the Banjari temple in Komna Block (Zone No. 2) before holding rallies across six panchayats of Taraboda, Jatagad, Maniguda, Kandetara, Thikpali, and Gandamer.

Meanwhile, the BJP has been quick to counter the BJD’s development narrative, highlighting issues of local unemployment, alleged neglect of irrigation projects, and governance gaps.

The Congress, sensing an opportunity in the three-way fight, has sought to project both the BJD and BJP as ‘two sides of the same coin,’ arguing that the two parties have quietly cooperated at the local level while ignoring public grievances.

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Tight Contest Expected in Nuapada

The bypoll, necessitated by the recent vacancy in the Nuapada Assembly seat owing to the death of BJD’s Rajendra Dholakia, has become a prestige battle for all three parties.

The BJD is aiming to reassert its influence in western Odisha, while the BJP views the contest as a chance to consolidate its rural base in the region. The Congress, though weakened in recent years, hopes to revive its grassroots connection through targeted campaigning and door-to-door outreach.

Election Commission’s Schedule and Preparations

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI) notification, the nomination process began on October 14 and concluded on October 20. Scrutiny took place on October 22, and candidates have until October 24 to withdraw their papers.

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Voting will be conducted on November 11, followed by counting on November 14. The entire election process will be completed by November 16, as per ECI guidelines.