Nuapada bypoll: BJP National VP Baijayant Panda rallies support for Jay Dholakia, highlights ‘double engine’ development

As the political scene in Nuapada intensifies, BJP National Vice President and Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda held a marathon campaign for the upcoming bypoll in the constituency on Saturday.

Addressing a public meeting at Beltukuri, the senior leader sought votes for BJP candidate Jay Dholakia, emphasising the benefits of a 'double engine' government.

During his address, Panda stated that Odisha’s development has accelerated under the double-engine government. As many as 75,000 women in Nuapada are part of the Subhadra Scheme. Across Odisha, 17 lakh women have become lakhpatis, and the number will continue to rise.

He also said that the late Rajendra Dholakia was a close friend of his, and now his son, who is like a younger brother to him, is contesting as his party's candidate. He further said that Congress won by making false promises in Himachal and Karnataka, and only Modi’s guarantees are true guarantees.

Also Read: Police complaint filed against BJD leader Bobby Das, MLA Adhiraj Panigrahi in Nuapada assault case

"Around 17 lakh women in Odisha have become 'lakhpati didis'. Now, time has come for all the schemes to be implemented in Nuapada in full speed. People are fully supporting the BJP here for the development process and the good work of the double-engine government. They have already seen that all the promises are being kept. Jay Dholakia is going to be the next MLA by winning with a good margin. I have come here to seek the blessings of the people," said BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda.

Meanwhile, Police have registered a case against senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Pranab Prakash Das, along with party MLA Adhiraj Panigrahi, following allegations made by a BJP worker. A team from the BJP also met with the Election Commission, demanding immediate action.

According to reports, BJP worker Jitu Adbang filed a written complaint at the Komna Police Station, alleging that Pranab Prakash Das and Adhiraj Panigrahi assaulted him at the farmhouse of local BJD leader Manoj Mishra. Jitu claimed that he was called to the farmhouse, where the two leaders physically attacked him and hurled abuses, questioning him for being associated with the BJP.

Based on Jitu’s complaint, the police have registered a case against both Pranab Prakash Das and Adhiraj Panigrahi. The case has been filed under sections 126(2), 296, 115(2), 351(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

A team of BJP led by the party’s vice president, Jatin Mohanty, has met the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), seeking the Election Commission’s intervention and action against two accused individuals in connection with a recent incident.

"Undemocratic, autocratic and hooligan people should immediately be expelled, and stern action should be taken against them. The democratic process should be strengthened," said Jatin Mohanty.

In a counter move, BJD alleged that the BJP, gripped by fear, is misusing the police to its advantage. 

"Though Pranab Prakash Das was not present in the farmhouse, a false case has been filed against him. BJP is worried and in a state of panic as they are going to be defeated in the upcoming bypoll," said BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty.

Meanwhile, at a joint press conference held in Nuapada, Congress in-charge Ajay Lallu and Leader of the Legislature Party Ram Chandra Kadam targeted both the BJP and the BJD.

BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria continued her campaign in the Sarabang area, while party supremo Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to hit the campaign trail on November 3.

"People are cooperating with us and giving assurances for help. It's definitely a good sign. He (Naveen) will visit the constituency on November 3 and again on November 7. People are asking about his visit and are interested in joining the meeting. The environment is like this, and it will definitely help us," said Chhuria.