The ruling BJP secured a decisive win in the Nuapada bypoll in Odisha, increasing its assembly strength and boosting Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's political standing. BJP candidate Jay Dholakia defeated Congress nominee Ghasiram Majhi by 83,748 votes, while the opposition BJD's candidate Snehangini Chhuria finished third. Jay received 1,23,869 votes compared to 40,121 for Ghasiram and 38,408 for Chhuria. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Jay's father, former BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia. The result is seen as public endorsement of the BJP government's 17-month performance under CM Majhi. For the BJD, this marked its first electoral contest since losing power in June last year after 24 years under Naveen Patnaik. The outcome dealt a significant blow to Patnaik's influence, as the party's vote share fell below 25 percent despite his active campaigning.
BJP Triumph and BJD Setback in Closely Watched Contest
The Nuapada bypoll carried major political significance as a test of the BJP government's popularity. Chief Minister Majhi led the campaign from the front, addressing rallies and roadshows. State BJP president Manmohan Samal described the victory as a clear signal of public satisfaction with the corruption-free, welfare-oriented government. For the BJD, the defeat was particularly damaging. Despite 79-year-old Naveen Patnaik campaigning twice in the constituency, the party finished third. The BJP had successfully poached Jay Dholakia, whom the BJD initially planned to field. Forced to bring in Snehangini Chhuria from western Odisha, the BJD faced accusations of fielding an outsider. The humiliating result raised questions about Patnaik's current political influence.
Source: Link