Nuapada bypoll: BJP, BJD and Congress run high on energy on final campaign day ahead of Nov 11 voting

With campaigning entering its final day, political activity in Nuapada is expected to intensify on Sunday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress mount one last push to mobilise voters ahead of the November 11 Assembly by-election.

The contest is expected to narrow to a three-cornered fight among BJP’s Jay Dholakia, BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria, and Congress’ Ghasiram Majhi.

Final-Day Mobilisation Across The District

Sources reported that senior party leaders have planned high-profile events across Nuapada and adjoining blocks today, even as major appearances concluded on Saturday.

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi headed a large roadshow last evening from Nuapada towards Khariar in support of BJP candidate Jay Dholakia, drawing significant crowds.

The BJP’s campaign last week also featured a two-day push by National Vice-President Baijayant (Jay) Panda, who led mass roadshows through Nuapada town from the police station square and along principal thoroughfares, organisers said.

The BJD will reportedly intensify its outreach in the final phase, with candidate Snehangini Chhuria expected to hold rallies in Komna and conduct door-to-door visits aimed at solidifying rural support.

The move comes after BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik visited the district last week and pitched for his party’s candidate.

Meanwhile, sources added that Congress will also scale up activity on the closing day. The party will deploy its general secretary, Sachin Pilot, to address a central campaign square, while local workers carry out house-to-house contact programmes.

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Campaign Themes And Tactical Focus

The three principal parties have adopted distinct tactical emphases. BJP leaders highlighted organisational reach and leadership visits to energise workers and demonstrate mobilisation. The BJD has concentrated on criticism of governance and development shortfalls, attempting to reclaim its rural base by emphasising local grievances. Congress has focused on service delivery and economic concerns, seeking to attract votes that might otherwise splinter between regional outfits.

Sources reported vigorous ground-level activity over the past week, including roadshows, corner meetings and door-to-door canvassing. Security and election machinery were increased in central wards and polling locations in anticipation of large crowds on polling day.

The Election Commission records show 19 nominations were initially filed; five were rejected during scrutiny, leaving 14 candidates after the October 25 withdrawal deadline.

It is worth noting that the by-election was necessitated by the death of former MLA Rajendra Dholakia, the seat’s vacancy prompting parties to treat the contest as a test of organisational strength ahead of future electoral cycles.