Nuapada bypoll: Manoj Mishra likely to be BJD’s candidate after Jay Dholakia joins BJP

The Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is likely to field senior party leader Manoj Mishra as its candidate for the upcoming Nuapada by-election, sources said on Tuesday. The reports also added that the final decision has already been made internally, with only the formal announcement pending.

Manoj Mishra, who earlier served as the BJD’s Nuapada district president, has reportedly received the party’s approval to contest the crucial bypoll.

Currently, the general secretary of BJD, Mishra, has also served twice as the chairman of the Komna block. His long-standing organisational experience and strong local connections are believed to have helped him secure the party’s confidence.

The decision comes as part of BJD’s effort to consolidate its base in Nuapada following a sudden political shift in the district. According to sources, party leaders at Naveen Niwas have already given a nod to Mishra’s candidature, with the official declaration expected shortly.

BJD Moves After Jay Dholakia Joins BJP

The development comes just days after Jay Dholakia, son of late BJD MLA and former minister Rajendra Dholakia, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), delivering a major blow to the conch party.

Dholakia’s ‘defection’ intensified political competition in Nuapada, with the BJP quickly positioning him as its probable candidate for the bypoll. His exit reportedly forced the BJD to reassess its strategy and hold secret meetings on selecting a strong candidate capable of countering the BJP’s growing influence in the constituency.

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Strategy Meeting And Poll Timeline

Sources said a closed-door meeting was held at party supremo Naveen Patnaik’s residence over the weekend, where senior leaders discussed the Nuapada bypoll strategy and reviewed potential candidates.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued the notification for the bypoll. Candidates must file nominations by October 20, with scrutiny on October 22 and withdrawal of papers by October 24. Voting is scheduled for November 11, and counting will take place on November 14.