Nuapada bypoll: EVMs ready, political parties make intense last-ditch efforts to woo voters

With just one day remaining for polling, final preparations for the Nuapada Assembly bypoll have entered the last stage, with the three major political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress, making last-ditch and intense efforts to woo voters.

As the official campaign period comes to an end in a few hours today, BJP candidate Jay Dholakia held a bike rally and roadshow across the Nuapada NAC area, joined by local workers and supporters.

“The people have faith that I will continue the social welfare that late Raju bhai Dholakia did for them. I will never let them down and uphold this faith,” he said.

The BJP campaign has been bolstered by the presence of senior leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, who led a large roadshow through the constituency on Saturday evening, and National Vice-President Baijayant Panda, who conducted door-to-door outreach drives earlier in the week.

BJD Pushes “People’s Candidate” Narrative

On the BJD’s side, Snehangini Chhuria was reported to be wrapping up her campaign with a final round of rallies in Komna and nearby blocks, supported by senior leaders and women’s groups.

Devi Mishra, BJD’s Senior Vice-President, described Chhuria as a grassroots candidate who connects effortlessly with the electorate.

“She is not just the BJD’s candidate but the people’s candidate. Other candidates are like water and oil, but she blends with the people like water and milk,” Mishra said.

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Congress Accuses BJD, BJP Of Neglecting Tribals

Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi maintained a vigorous ground campaign, moving through interior villages in door-to-door outreach. In his closing remarks, Majhi accused both the BJP and BJD of ignoring tribal issues.

“The BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik is outdated and a closed chapter. He failed to deliver his Rs 50,000 promise to women and is taking away tribal lands. The BJD candidate is an outsider, and both parties have no strength here,” he said.
EVMs Ready, Polling Officers On Standby

Security And Logistics Tightened Ahead Of Polling

Coinciding with these, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been readied, and polling teams are set to move out from the district’s dispatch centre to their respective booths, stated sources.

According to Nuapada Collector Madhusudan Dash, arrangements have been completed for the smooth and secure conduct of the vote scheduled on November 11.

“All the details have been finalised. The vehicle registration numbers, drivers’ names, and routes for each polling team have been recorded. Dispersal will begin at 7 am tomorrow, and all polling officials have been instructed to proceed directly to their assigned booths. We have set up 37 counters for 358 polling stations,” Collector Dash said.

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Special logistical arrangements have also been made for Sunabeda, the remote tribal pocket of the district, where election officers will be airlifted by helicopter to ensure timely polling.

District officials confirmed heightened vigilance across polling areas, especially in sensitive tribal belts and border regions, where additional paramilitary and police forces have been deployed. The Election Commission has ensured the transport, sealing, and storage of EVMs under continuous surveillance.

The Nuapada by-election will see 14 candidates in the fray after scrutiny and withdrawals. The poll is being closely watched as a test of party strength in western Odisha ahead of future Assembly contests. Counting of votes will be conducted under three-tier security shortly after polling concludes.