Voting has begun for the Nuapada by-election in Odisha with brisk polling reported since 7 AM. Voters were seen enthusiastically exercising their democratic rights across 358 polling booths in the constituency.
The bypoll has turned into a triangular contest with 14 candidates in the fray. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Jay Dholakia, son of late BJD legislator Rajendra Dholakia, while the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has nominated Snehangini Chhuria. The Congress is banking on Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate.
This by-election holds significant political importance for both BJP and BJD. For the BJP, it is the first bypoll after forming the government in the state — seen as a test of public trust and confidence in the new administration. For the BJD, it is an acid test to gauge whether the party has managed to recover from its earlier electoral defeat.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and several senior BJP leaders, along with the chief ministers of neighboring states, campaigned intensively for their candidate. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik led a strong BJD campaign, holding mega roadshows to rally voter support. The Congress also ran a united and spirited campaign across the constituency.
According to official reports, voting is being held at 358 booths, including 311 booths open from 7 AM to 5 PM, and 47 sensitive booths closing an hour earlier at 4 PM.
The Election Commission data shows that Nuapada constituency has a total of 2,53,624 registered voters, comprising 1,24,108 male, 1,29,495 female, and 21 third-gender voters, reflecting Odisha’s inclusive electoral participation.
To ensure smooth and secure polling, authorities have deployed 14 companies of central armed forces and arranged helicopter surveillance for remote and Maoist-affected areas.
BJP candidate Jay Dholakia cast his vote early in the morning at a local polling booth, encouraging citizens to turn out in large numbers.
The polling process will continue throughout the day, and the fate of all candidates will be sealed in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) until counting day.
