Campaigning Concludes for Crucial Nuapada Bypoll
The high-voltage campaigning for the Nuapada assembly bypoll reached its conclusion on Sunday, marking the end of an intense voter outreach effort by major political parties. The final hours witnessed a flurry of political activity with rallies and roadshows dominating the landscape as parties made their last-ditch attempts to woo voters.
Triangular Contest Defines Bypoll Dynamics
The bypoll features a triangular contest between three key candidates: BJP's Jay Dholakia, BJD's Snehangini Chhuria, and Congress's Ghasiram Majhi. This election has transformed into a significant prestige battle for all three political parties, each carrying distinct stakes in the outcome.
For the ruling BJP, this bypoll serves as a crucial test of its popularity after seventeen months in power. The BJD, meanwhile, is striving to retain the seat that became vacant following the unfortunate demise of MLA Rajendra Dholakia. The Congress party sees this election as an opportunity for revival under the leadership of new state president Bhakta Charan Das, who hails from the neighboring Kalahandi district.
Sharp Exchanges and Political Accusations
The campaign trail has been characterized by heated exchanges between the BJP and BJD, with both parties leveling serious allegations against each other. The political discourse touched upon sensitive issues including candidate selection, regional neglect, and unfulfilled development promises.
Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik set the tone for BJD's aggressive campaign strategy by accusing the BJP of "betrayal" and "candidate theft." The ruling BJP countered these allegations by highlighting what they termed as Nuapada's neglect during BJD's two-decade rule and alleged indifference toward Rajendra Dholakia during his illness.
On the final day of campaigning, BJP state president Manmohan Samal launched a scathing attack on the BJD, accusing them of engaging in cheap politics. "BJD and its president Naveen Patnaik resorted to personal attacks and made insensitive remarks, hurting the sentiments of the people and Dholakia family," Samal stated emphatically.
Samal emphasized BJP's commitment to principled politics and development-oriented governance while challenging the BJD to account for their achievements in Nuapada during their twenty-four years of administration. He highlighted BJP's focus on developing agro-based industries, irrigation facilities, fisheries, and tourism in the region, expressing strong confidence in his party's victory.
Final Push from Political Leaders
In a video message released on Sunday, Naveen Patnaik launched a comprehensive attack on the BJP government, raising concerns about women's safety and tribal rights. He urged voters to support BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria while accusing the BJP government of being anti-development, anti-women, and anti-tribal.
"I promise to stand with the people of Odisha and Nuapada till my last breath," Patnaik declared in his emotional appeal to voters.
Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi, who had finished second as an independent nominee in the 2024 elections, accused both the BJP and BJD of neglecting tribal issues. Expressing confidence in Congress's support among the local population, Majhi asserted that neither rival party holds a stronghold in Nuapada.
When questioned about the absence of national-level star campaigners from his party, Majhi displayed remarkable self-assurance, stating, "I am the biggest star campaigner."
Election Preparedness and Security Measures
State Chief Electoral Officer R S Gopalan confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been finalized to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming bypoll. Polling stations have been equipped with essential facilities, and security measures have been reinforced in forty-seven booths located in Maoist-affected areas.
"Staff have been adequately mobilized to handle the election process efficiently," Gopalan assured, indicating the administration's complete preparedness for Tuesday's voting.
The stage is now set for what promises to be a closely watched bypoll that could significantly influence Odisha's political landscape and provide crucial insights into public sentiment toward the ruling and opposition parties.
