Who Are BJP's 40 Star Campaigners for the Nuapada Bypoll in Odisha?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP has mobilized 40 senior leaders for campaigning.
- Jay Dholakia is the candidate representing BJP.
- Nomination submissions are open until October 20.
- The by-election is set for November 11.
- Political landscape shifts following the passing of Rajendra Dholakia.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 16 (NationPress) The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced on Thursday a lineup of 40 prominent leaders who will support the party’s candidate, Jay Dholakia, in the upcoming Nuapada by-election. This notable roster features Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Jual Oram, Organizational in-charge Sunil Bansal, Odisha in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar, co-in-charge Lata Usendi, and Odisha BJP president Manmohal Samal.
In addition, several state government ministers, BJP MPs, and MLAs are set to campaign for Dholakia. This prominent list includes Deputy CM K.V. Singh Deo, Pravati Parida, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Baijayant Jay Panda, and Dr Sambit Patra.
The party revealed Jay Dholakia, son of late BJD leader Rajendra Dholakia, as its candidate for the Nuapada bypolls, which are slated for November 11.
Initially, it was anticipated that Dholakia would run on a BJD ticket, mirroring his father's legacy. However, in a surprising turn of events, he joined the ruling BJP on October 14.
Dholakia is expected to submit his nomination on October 18, as opposed to the previously reported date. Political analysts suggest that the ruling BJP will exert maximum effort to secure victory in this bypoll, marking the first election since it took power in the region.
Importantly, the nomination process commenced on October 16, with candidates permitted to file papers until October 20. The scrutiny of nominations is set for October 22, and candidates may withdraw their nominations by October 24. The counting of votes will occur on November 14.
The Congress has fielded tribal leader Ghasiram Majhi, while the BJD has nominated former Minister Snehangini Chhuria as its candidate.
The Nuapada Assembly seat became vacant following the passing of senior BJD leader Rajendra Dholakia on September 8.