Nuapada by-election 2025 to see a triangular contest among BJD, BJP, and Congress after MLA Rajendra Dholakia’s demise. Voting on November 11
(OdishaPlus Bureau)
The Nuapada Assembly constituency (71-Nuapada) in Odisha is gearing up for a by-election scheduled for November 11, 2025. This election was necessitated by the death of the sitting Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA and former minister Rajendra Dholakia on September 8, 2025, due to kidney-related issues at the age of 68.
Dholakia had won the seat in the 2024 elections with a vote share surpassing 52%, solidifying it as a BJD bastion in the predominantly tribal region. The by-election is seen as a considerable test for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the opposition BJD, and Congress amid shifting political dynamics in the state.
The BJD’s stance is intriguing, with Snehangini Chhuria emerging as the candidate. Party officials, including Dibya Shankar Mishra, have criticized the BJP for selecting Jay Dholakia, deeming it as opportunistic. The BJD is mobilizing its grassroots network to retain the seat, highlighting its enduring development efforts in Nuapada.
The BJP’s strategy is evident. The party is confident about its prospects for victory, with senior leader Basanta Panda stressing the unified support within the party. The transition of Dholakia’s son is perceived as a tactical advantage in this BJP-dominated state (78 MLAs compared to BJD’s 50 following the vacancy).
Congress’s initiatives are commendable. Focusing on local issues such as tribal welfare, Majhi has been seen seeking support from Gond tribal communities.
The broader implications are that this bypoll coincides with the Bihar assembly elections and may reflect trends for Odisha’s 2029 elections. Odisha CEO R.S. Gopalan has assured that all preparations, including police and transparency measures, are in place to guarantee a “smooth and secure” electoral process.