Nuapada campaign ends, at stake is BJP’s popularity vs BJD & Cong’s appeal

Bhubaneswar: The curtain came down on campaigning for Nuapada bypoll on Sunday amid intense voter outreach efforts from major parties with rallies and roadshows in the final hours.The triangular contest for Tuesday’s bypoll features BJP’s Jay Dholakia, BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria and Ghasiram Majhi of the Congress.The bypoll has become a prestige battle for all three parties. For the BJP, this will be a test of its popularity after 17 months in power, while BJD is trying to hold on to the seat that had been vacated following the death of MLA Rajendra Dholakia. As for the Congress, it is looking for revival under new state president Bhakta Charan Das, a native of nearby Kalahandi.The campaign has been marked by sharp exchanges between BJP and BJD, with accusations flying over candidate selection, regional neglect and development promises. Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik’s accusations of “betrayal” and “candidate theft” against the BJP set the tone for the BJD’s aggressive stance. The ruling BJP countered with accusation of Nuapada’s neglect by the BJD for two decades and allegedly ignoring Rajendra while he was unwell.

On Sunday, BJP state president Manmohan Samal criticised the BJD for engaging in cheap politics, accusing them of personal attacks and insensitivity towards the Dholakia family. Samal emphasised the BJP’s commitment to principled politics and development, challenging the BJD to account for its achievements in Nuapada over 24 years of governance.“BJD and its president Naveen Patnaik resorted to personal attacks and made insensitive remarks, hurting the sentiments of the people and Dholakia family,” Samal said.

Highlighting the BJP’s focus on developing agro-based industries, irrigation, fisheries and tourism in the region, Samal exuded confidence in BJP’s victory.In a video message on Sunday, Naveen slammed the BJP on issues such as women’s safety and tribal rights, urging voters to support Snehangini. Accusing the BJP govt of being anti-development, anti-women and anti-tribal, Naveen said, “I promise to stand with the people of Odisha and Nuapada till my last breath.”Congress candidate Ghasiram, who finished second as an independent nominee in 2024, accused both the BJP and BJD of neglecting tribal issues, asserting that neither party has a stronghold in Nuapada and expressing confidence in the Congress’s support from the local populace.When questioned about the absence of national-level star campaigners from his party, Ghasiram said, “I am the biggest star campaigner.”State’s chief electoral officer R S Gopalan said all necessary arrangements have been finalised to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming bypoll. “Polling stations have been equipped with essential facilities, security measures reinforced in 47 booths located in Maoist-affected areas, and staff have been mobilised,” Gopalan said.