Nuapada bypoll: BJP, Congress candidates vote in home constituencies; BJD monitors booths as polling continues

Polling for the Nuapada Assembly bypoll witnessed active participation from leading candidates on Tuesday, as voters queued up early across 358 booths in the constituency.

Key candidates, BJP’s Jay Dholakia and Congress nominee Ghasiram Majhi, cast their votes in their respective polling stations, while BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria reviewed the voting process in various areas since she is not a registered voter in the constituency.

BJP Candidate Jay Dholakia Votes With Family

BJP’s Jay Dholakia, son of late MLA Rajendra Dholakia, exercised his franchise along with his family members at booth number 66 in Mongrapali. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Dholakia said he was committed to carrying forward his father’s legacy.

“I want to say to the people of Nuapada that I will continue the work my late father began for their welfare. I have received warm blessings from the Chief Minister as if I were his own son. I stood in this election without pressure, having gained political experience managing my father’s campaign last time,” he said.

Dholakia, who represents the Bharatiya Janata Party, is banking heavily on his father’s goodwill and a sympathy wave following his demise in September.

Congress’ Ghasiram Majhi Calls Himself A ‘King-Maker’

At booth number 120, senior Congress leader Ghasiram Majhi cast his vote, stating his long-standing connection with Nuapada’s electorate.

“I have queued as a common, law-abiding citizen. I have fought and struggled for over 40 years of my political life and participated in numerous elections. In Nuapada, I am a king-maker,” Majhi remarked.

The Congress, once a dominant force in the region, hopes Majhi’s local presence and veteran status will help the party regain ground amid a predicted tight three-way contest.

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BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria Reviews Poll Progress

BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria, a former minister and two-time legislator, could not vote as she is not registered in the Nuapada constituency. However, she visited several polling booths to review the arrangements and encourage voter participation.

“Today marks the dawn of a new chapter for Nuapada. I appeal to citizens to vote for the right candidate who will fight for their rights. I am satisfied with the arrangements and the enthusiasm among voters, including senior citizens who queued up early,” she said.

Peaceful Polling And High Stakes Contest

Voting began at 7 a.m. and will continue till 5 p.m. in most booths, while polling in 47 remote and Maoist-affected areas will end an hour earlier to ensure the safe return of polling personnel.

According to election officials, polling has remained peaceful so far with no reports of law and order disturbances. Over 2.53 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes in this by-election, which was necessitated by the death of four-time MLA Rajendra Dholakia on September 8, 2025.

As of 11 am today, voting continued peacefully across Nuapada, with voter turnout reported to be 32.51%.