Nuapada bypoll sees 83.45% voter turnout, women voters to be game-changer; counting on Nov 14

The Nuapada Assembly bypoll concluded on Tuesday evening with an impressive 83.45% voter turnout, surpassing the 75.49% polling recorded in the last general election, according to the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

Election officials reported that voting remained largely peaceful across all 358 polling booths, with strong participation observed in both rural and semi-urban areas. Notably, the turnout marks one of the highest figures recorded in recent bypolls, signalling a keenly contested election between major political parties.

Further, the CEO informed that the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been sealed and stored inside the strong room under multi-layered security. Counting of votes is scheduled for November 14, when the fate of the candidates, now locked in the EVMs, will be revealed.

Women Voters Turn Out In Higher Numbers

As per the data shared by the Election Commission, the Nuapada bypoll saw a notable surge in women voter participation, a trend that is likely to play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the bypoll. Out of the total over 2.54 lakh votes, 1,29,932 were by women voters and 1,24,544 male voters, official data shows.

The higher female turnout has triggered widespread speculation about the direction of the women’s vote, with political observers suggesting that women voters might hold the key to the final verdict. Local analysts believe welfare schemes, self-help group (SHG) initiatives, and local development issues could have influenced women’s voting preferences.

ALSO READ: Nuapada bypoll: Presiding officer suspended for violating voting secrecy, confirms Odisha CEO

Contest Sees Strong Showing By Major Parties

Polling day witnessed the active participation of leading candidates. BJP’s Jay Dholakia and Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi cast their votes at their respective polling stations, while BJD nominee Snehangini Chhuria, who is not a registered voter in the constituency, visited several booths to monitor the voting process.

With polling over, attention now shifts to November 14, when counting will determine who succeeds as Nuapada’s next MLA.