Nuapada Bypolls on November 11: ECI lists important dates as political tension rises

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially issued the notification for the Nuapada Assembly by-election, setting the stage for a political showdown in the western Odisha district. The poll process began with the filing of nomination papers from today. The process will continue till October 20.

According to the schedule, scrutiny of nominations will take place on October 22, while October 24 has been fixed as the last date for withdrawal of candidature.

The polling will be held on November 11, and the counting of votes will be conducted on November 14. The entire election process will conclude by November 16, the ECI notification stated.

Administration Prepares For Peaceful, Neutral Poll

Reports stated that elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure the bypoll is conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and impartial manner. The nomination process is being held in the premises of the Nuapada Sub-Collector’s office, where separate facilities have been created for filing and verifying documents.

To maintain law and order, police conducted a flag march in Nuapada town on Sunday evening. Security personnel are being deployed in all sensitive zones, and additional measures have been planned to address any potential disturbance in remote and Maoist-affected pockets.

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Special Security Measures In Maoist-Prone Areas

Out of the total polling stations in the constituency, 47 have been identified as Maoist-prone, and special arrangements will be made for these booths.

As per the ECI’s notification, polling in these 47 booths will be conducted from 7 am to 4 pm, an hour earlier than the normal schedule. In all other booths, voting will continue from 7 am to 5 pm.

Officials stated that early closure in these areas is a preventive measure to ensure the security of both voters and polling officials.

Tight Security And Coordination Plans In Place

Sources in the district administration confirmed that joint operations between state police and central paramilitary forces have been planned to secure Maoist-affected zones. Communication networks are also being strengthened in remote polling areas.

ALSO READ: Nuapada Bypoll twist: BJD in dilemma over candidate after Jay Dholakia joins BJP

The Nuapada by-election is being closely watched, especially after the recent political twist involving Jay Dholakia, son of the late four-time MLA Rajendra Dholakia. Long expected to be fielded by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Dholakia joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), delivering a sharp blow to the Naveen Patnaik-led cadre and shaking political circles.