Nuapada Bypoll: BJP fields Jay Dholakia, contest set for high-stakes battle

Putting all speculations to rest, Jay Dholakia has been announced as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate for the upcoming Nuapada bypoll. He is set to file his nomination on Thursday, officially kicking off the party’s campaign in the constituency.

The nomination event will be attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and state BJP president Manmohan Samal. It is expected to witness a massive gathering of party leaders, workers, and supporters. Reports also suggest that several BJD and Congress leaders are likely to join the BJP in the presence of the Chief Minister.

Preparations In Full Swing

Party sources said each constituency division will have a Minister overseeing arrangements, while over 50 sitting and former MLAs will supervise booth-level preparations. Chief Minister Majhi himself will lead a marathon campaign across the district ahead of the elections.

Candidate Seeks Blessings And Local Support

Earlier, Jay Dholakia sought blessings from former state BJP president Basanta Panda and held courtesy meetings with local leaders, including NAC Khariar chairperson Sonia Jain, consolidating support from party workers and ensuring unity within the local BJP unit.

BJD And Congress Line Up Candidates

Biju Janata Dal leader Manoj Mishra has been tentatively finalised as the party’s candidate, though the official announcement is pending. Meanwhile, Congress faces challenges after former MLA Ghasiram Majhi reportedly faced a boycott from the tribal community.

Also Read: Odisha BJP hits out at Mamata Banerjee over Durgapur incident, demands Saugata Roy’s resignation

High-Stakes Political Battle Ahead

With key leaders mobilising and party workers gearing up for election duties, Nuapada is set for a high-voltage political contest. The official notification for the bypoll was issued on October 13, nominations close on October 20, polling is scheduled for November 11, and counting of votes will be held on November 14.