The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) launched its campaign for the Nuapada Assembly bye-election by visiting the revered Banjari Devi Temple.
Party leaders, along with candidate Smt. Snehangini Chhuria, offered floral tributes and sought blessings for Nuapada’s peace and prosperity.
Senior leader Shri Debi Prasad Mishra led the inaugural meeting, joined by state and district-level leaders. Addressing a large public gathering, Smt. Chhuria pledged to drive Nuapada’s all-round development and reaffirmed the BJD’s commitment to public welfare under the leadership of Shri Naveen Patnaik. She reminded the audience that Biju Patnaik had created Nuapada district, and his legacy continues to inspire the region.
During the meeting, BJD leaders launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state government. They accused it of neglecting Nuapada’s infrastructure and welfare needs. Speakers described the “double engine government” as responsible for “double destruction” over the past 16 months. Shri Abani Ranjan Joshi, MLA Shri Adhiraj Mohan Panigrahi, Shri Manoj Mishra, Shri Bijaya Nayak, and Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Majhi criticized the BJP’s failure to address local issues.
Earlier in the day, BJD leaders hosted a Tribal Convention at Adivasi Samaj Bhawan in Tanuat. Tribal leaders and community members attended in large numbers. Several leaders from the BJP and Congress formally joined the BJD, expressing confidence in Shri Naveen Patnaik’s leadership and endorsing the party’s tribal welfare initiatives.
Shri Debi Prasad Mishra emphasized that the BJD government has delivered real tribal development by prioritizing education, health, livelihood, and social justice. Smt. Chhuria raised concerns about rising violence and exploitation of tribal communities under the BJP regime, including incidents of sexual assault in school hostels. She vowed to protect tribal dignity, safety, and rights.
Prominent leaders such as Shri Pratap Jena, Shri Niranjan Bisi, Shri Ramesh Majhi, Shri Manohar Randhari, Shri Ramesh Behera, Smt. Sarswati Bag, and Smt. Sephanli Sharma joined the campaign and expressed their support for Smt. Chhuria’s candidacy.
By the end of the day, the BJD reaffirmed its commitment to Nuapada’s holistic development. Leaders urged voters to support the party’s vision for inclusive progress and stable governance.