Bhubaneswar: Following the sealing of votes for 14 candidates in the Nuapada by-election in Odisha, both the main opposition party BJD and the ruling BJP declared their confidence in winning. Meanwhile, the Congress party alleged significant “vote theft” in Nuapada, despite its candidate Ghasiram Majhi expressing optimism about his chances. The by-election saw a high voter turnout of 83.45 percent. During a press conference, senior BJD leaders, including Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik, Political Affairs Committee member Tukuni Sahu, and student wing president Ipsita Sahu, asserted that their candidate Snehangini Chhuria would secure victory, citing attempts by the BJP to mislead voters.
Mallik estimated a winning margin of around 10,000 votes but expressed uncertainty due to claims that the ruling party had transported a truckload of EVMs from Ganjam district shortly before the election. She indicated that the party had alerted the State’s Chief Electoral Officer regarding various violations of the model code of conduct allegedly committed by the BJP. Mallik accused the BJP of distributing saris and money to women during the campaign, of police raids targeting BJD leaders prior to the elections, and of deliberately delaying the helicopter of Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik by three hours.
She also contended that during the silence period prior to voting, BJD leaders left the Nuapada constituency while BJP members remained to distribute cash to voters. Mallik claimed that the BJP campaigned at polling booths during the election, noting that complaints with evidence were submitted to authorities but led to no action. Despite these allegations, she maintained that the BJP would ultimately lose, asserting that the people of Nuapada support the BJD. In response, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari dismissed the BJD’s claims, stating that they were merely preparing excuses for their anticipated defeat on November 14. BJP candidate Jay Dholakia is expected to win by a considerable margin.
BJP State president Manmohan Samal urged the BJD to accept the will of the people, claiming they have already been rejected in the 2024 general elections and suggesting that Nuapada voters would act similarly.
