Nuapada Bypoll 2025: High-Stakes Battle to Test Odisha’s Pulse

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The November 11 Nuapada by-election—triggered by the death of BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia—has turned into a prestige fight. With BJP fielding his son, BJD pushing a veteran, and Congress betting on tribal votes, the contest is an acid test for all three parties.

By Pradeep Kumar Panda

Bhubaneswar, October 27, 2025 — The upcoming Nuapada by-election on November 11, 2025, has emerged as one of Odisha’s most-watched political contests—an electoral showdown that could redefine the balance of power between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and the Congress.

The seat fell vacant following the demise of Rajendra Dholakia, the four-time MLA and former minister, whose death in September 2025 triggered the bypoll. Dholakia had represented Nuapada both as an independent and later as a BJD leader.

A Legacy Contest

In a dramatic twist, the BJP has fielded Jay Dholakia, son of the late leader, as its candidate—a move that surprised many since the younger Dholakia was until recently a member of the BJD. His defection and nomination by the ruling BJP have transformed this bypoll into a symbolic battle of inheritance and ideology.

The BJD, determined to retain its traditional stronghold, has nominated Snehangini Chhuria, a former minister, ex-MLA, and president of the Biju Mahila Janata Dal. Her candidacy signals the BJD’s intent to reclaim lost ground and test its grassroots strength following its defeat in the 2025 general elections.

The Congress, meanwhile, has fielded Ghasiram Majhi, a veteran tribal leader who had finished second in the 2024 assembly polls as an independent candidate. Majhi’s presence could split the tribal vote—a decisive factor in this constituency.

Development Politics and Pre-Poll Optics

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s announcement of a ₹1,100 crore development package for the Nuapada district earlier this month has added fuel to the campaign fire. The BJD has slammed the move as a pre-election gimmick, arguing that the announcement, made just before the Model Code of Conduct, was politically timed to influence voters.

The Socio-Economic Undercurrent

Nuapada, carved out of Kalahandi district in 1993, remains one of Odisha’s least developed regions, with limited irrigation, poor land productivity, and heavy dependence on agriculture and forest produce such as mahua, harida, and bahada.
Despite its agrarian roots, distress migration after each harvest season remains a chronic issue. Analysts warn that voter absenteeism due to migration could significantly affect the bypoll outcome.

Tribal Vote Key to Victory

With a substantial tribal population, all parties are focusing their campaigns on welfare promises, livelihood security, and local development. The BJP hopes to consolidate its support under the “double-engine government” narrative—linking central and state governance under one party. The BJD, however, is banking on its organizational network and women’s self-help groups (SHGs) to counter the BJP’s momentum.

What’s at Stake

For the BJP, a victory would reinforce its dominance in Odisha and affirm public approval of its state government.
For the BJD, it would be a statement of resilience—proof that the party remains rooted even after electoral setbacks.
For the Congress, a strong performance could mark the beginning of its political revival in western Odisha.

As the campaigning intensifies, Nuapada has become more than just a by-election—it’s a referendum on leadership, loyalty, and the changing mood of rural Odisha.

(This is an opinion piece, and views expressed are those of the author only)