Lambodar Nial joins BJP ahead of Nuapada bypoll

Bhubaneswar: In a fresh setback to BJD ahead of Nuapada assembly bypoll, Lambodar Nial, BJD’s 2024 Lok Sabha candidate from Kalahandi, joined the BJP along with his supporters. Nuapada falls under the Kalahandi parliamentary constituency.Nial’s switch came after a closed-door meeting with BJP candidate Jay Dholakia, who himself recently crossed over from BJD. The BJP formally welcomed Nial into the party fold, describing him as a seasoned and popular leader whose presence would further strengthen the party’s base in western Odisha. “Inspired by the ideals and service mantra of the BJP, Lambodar Nial and his associates have joined the BJP family,” state BJP president Manmohan Samal said, adding that he personally welcomed them with party caps and scarves.Reacting to the development, BJD’s Nuapada candidate Snehangini Chhuria downplayed the impact, saying Nial’s exit would have no bearing on the party’s prospects.