Nuapada: A total of 19 candidates have submitted their nomination papers for the by-election to the Nuapada Assembly constituency, scheduled for November 11, according to a statement from the Chief Electoral Office (CEO) of Odisha released on Monday. Among these candidates, eight represent various political parties, while 11 are running as independents. The party-affiliated candidates include Snehangini Chhuria (Biju Janata Dal), Jay Dholakia (Bharatiya Janata Party), Ghasiram Majhi (Congress), Ramakant Hati (Samajwadi Party), Hemant Thandi (Bahujan Mukti Party), Raja Ram Sahu (Bahujan Samaj Party), Shukadhar Dandasena (Odisha Janata Dal), and Sitaram Behera (Rashtriya Parivartan Dal).
The independent candidates are Ashrya Mahanand, Engineer Chakrant Jena, Purushottam Behera, Kamal Kumar Chhatria, Bhubanlal Sahu, Lochan Majhi, Bhujbal Adbong, Kishore Kumar Baga, Bhakta Bandhu Dharua, Neeta Baga, and Laxmi Kant Tandi. The deadline for the withdrawal of nominations is October 24 (Friday). Snehangini Chhuria from BJD was the last of the major party candidates to file her nomination on Monday. Accompanied by senior party leaders and MLAs, including Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik, Chhuria submitted her nomination documents to the Sub-Collector’s office in the Nuapada district. Prior to filing, she prayed at the Lord Shiva temple in Telipada, Nuapada. This by-election was prompted by the passing of BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia in September.
The BJD has nominated Chhuria, a former minister and two-time MLA from Attabira in the neighboring Bargarh district, after Rajendra Dholakia’s son Jay opted to join the BJP. Following her nomination, Chhuria expressed her gratitude to BJD president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, stating, “With the blessings of Naveen Patnaik, I have filed my nomination for the Nuapada by-election. I appreciate all the supporters, including women, the elderly, youth, and BJD workers who have come out in large numbers to back my candidacy.” She mentioned that the party will campaign by emphasizing the shortcomings of the current BJP-led government while highlighting the achievements of the previous BJD administration.
Chhuria noted that individuals from all societal sectors, including Dalits, tribals, and OBCs, are dissatisfied with the BJP government and are recalling the successes of the previous BJD leadership. Expressing confidence in the BJD’s prospects for victory, she remarked, “The people of Nuapada have warmly welcomed us, and our path to success will be fruitful, leading to a BJD victory in this seat with everyone’s support.” The Congress and BJP candidates, Ghasiram Majhi and Jay Dholakia, respectively, submitted their nominations on Saturday.
