BJD Launches Campaign for Nuapada By-Election Amidst BJP's Counter Efforts

BJD Kicks Off Campaign

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has officially commenced its campaign for the Nuapada by-election in Odisha, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) deploying several ministers to secure the seat from the opposition.

Under the leadership of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the BJD initiated its campaign for candidate Snehaangini Chhuria at the Banjari Temple, where rituals were performed.

Senior BJD leaders, including Vice President Devi Prasad Mishra, participated in the worship alongside Chhuria at the temple.

Chhuria's Commitment to Development

After her visit to the temple, Chhuria addressed a public gathering, reaffirming her dedication to the comprehensive development of Nuapada. She stated, 'My journey for the progress of this constituency officially begins today.'

Mishra criticized the BJP's 'double-engine government,' claiming it has led to 'double destruction' in the state over the past 16 months.

According to party officials, Patnaik is expected to visit the district on November 6 and 7 to campaign for Chhuria, who is also the current president of the BJD's women's wing.

BJP's Strategy for Victory

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP is taking significant steps to ensure the victory of its candidate, Jai Dholakia, by deploying eight ministers from the state cabinet.

Jai is the son of the late BJD legislator Rajendra Dholakia, whose passing necessitated the by-election scheduled for November 11.

Each minister has been assigned specific areas to oversee the campaign, while Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo and senior party leader Jaynarayan Mishra have been given overall responsibility for the by-election.

The Congress party has also intensified its campaign efforts, with candidate Ghasiram Majhi focusing on door-to-door outreach to connect with voters.

Congress's Position in the Nuapada By-Election

The upcoming by-election for the Nuapada assembly constituency, part of the Kalahandi Lok Sabha area, is set for November 11 and is shaping up to be a competitive race. This election was necessitated by the death of a four-time BJD legislator last month.

This by-election holds significance as it represents the first test of public support following the BJP's efforts to unseat the BJD, which has been in power for 24 years, in May 2024.

It is clearly a battle of prestige among the ruling BJP's Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, BJD leader Naveen Patnaik, and the rapidly rising Odisha Congress president Bhakta Charan Das, indicating a fierce contest among these three leaders for various reasons.