Nuapada bypoll: Who will be BJP’s candidate? Party brass to take final call

As the Nuapada Assembly by-election draws closer, speculation is mounting over who the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will field as its candidate. With the poll date set for November 11, discussions within the party circles have intensified, and a clearer picture of the probable candidate may emerge soon.

According to party sources, the BJP’s core committee meeting in Bhubaneswar, scheduled for today, will be attended by National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh and National Joint General Secretary V. Satish. The meeting is expected to deliberate on organisational matters as well as the bypoll strategy and is also likely to finalise the candidate’s name.

Who are the Frontrunners in the Race?

Among the frontrunners in the race is Abhinandan Panda, who had unsuccessfully contested the 2024 Assembly election from the constituency. He is the son of former State BJP president Basanta Panda, whose own name has also surfaced as a potential contender.

Other names reportedly under consideration include State Executive Committee member Jadumani Panigrahi and Khariar Road NAC Chairperson Sonia Jain, both of whom are seen as active local leaders.

The Election Commission will issue the official notification for the bypoll on October 13, with October 20 set as the last date for filing nominations.

The BJP leadership, both at the state and central levels, is expected to make a carefully calculated decision, given the strategic importance of the Nuapada seat in western Odisha politics.

Also Read: BJP National General Secretary BL Santhosh arrives in Odisha to review party strategy and performance

The Nuapada bypoll was necessitated because the sitting MLA, Rajendra Dholakia of the Biju Janata Dal, passed away on September 8.