Election tensions in Nuapada intensified after a raid at the temporary residence of BJD leader and former MLA Pritiranjan Ghadai on Friday.
The search took place on Khariar Road in the presence of a magistrate, reportedly over allegations of illegal cash storage during the by-election period.
Ghadai currently oversees BJD’s campaign in Nuapada. During the raid, a heated exchange occurred between the caretaker of the house and officials. The caretaker claimed the raid was conducted without a valid search warrant.
Reacting strongly, BJD labeled the raid illegal. District President Avani Joshi accused the government of using agencies to intimidate opposition leaders. He asserted that BJD would not remain silent and would respond firmly.
The Nuapada by-election is scheduled for November 11, with vote counting on November 14. Fourteen candidates are in the fray, including BJP’s Jay Dholakia, BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria, and Congress’s Ghasiram Majhi. Other contenders include candidates from Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Mukti Party, Odisha Janata Dal, and eight independents.
This election will see participation from over 2.48 lakh voters, including 4,000 persons with a disability and 2,007 older citizens. Mobile phones will be restricted inside booths for agents, while voters may carry them. Real-time webcasting and a voter helpline (1950) will be active. Security measures will be tightened to ensure smooth polling.
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