In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming by-election in Odisha’s Nuapada Assembly constituency, the Indian National Congress has officially approved the candidature of veteran tribal leader Ghasiram Majhi.
The announcement, made through a press release by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), comes as the party aims to reclaim ground in the western Odisha region.
The by-election for the 71-Nuapada seat was necessitated by the untimely death of sitting Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Rajendra Dholakia on September 8, 2025. Dholakia, a four-time MLA and former minister, had dominated the constituency for over two decades, winning as an Independent in 2004 before aligning with the BJD. His passing has set the stage for a high-stakes contest, with the Election Commission of India scheduling the polling for November 11, 2025, alongside by-elections in other states, and vote counting on November 14.
Ghasiram Majhi, a 62-year-old tribal rights activist, brings a wealth of experience to the fray. Hailing from the region, Majhi has a strong rapport with the local tribal communities, which constitute around 40% of the electorate in Nuapada. He previously contested the seat on a Congress ticket in 2009, 2014, and 2019, finishing as runner-up in 2019. In the 2024 Assembly elections, Majhi ran as an Independent after a fallout with the party, securing over 50,000 votes and emerging as the runner-up behind Dholakia. His return to the Congress fold is seen as a bid to consolidate tribal and opposition votes in a constituency that borders Chhattisgarh and has nearly 2.5 lakh voters, including significant OBC populations like Yadavs.
While Congress has moved swiftly to name its candidate, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition BJD are yet to finalise their nominees.
This by-election marks the first major electoral test for all three major parties since the 2024 general elections in Odisha, where the BJP ended the BJD’s long reign. As parties gear up, all eyes will be on whether Majhi’s grassroots appeal can translate into a Congress victory.
