Who Will BJP Nominate for Nuapada Bypoll in Odisha?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jay Dholakia is the BJP's candidate for the Nuapada by-election.
- The by-election is scheduled for November 11.
- Over 40,000 supporters are expected at the BJP rally.
- More than 2,000 BJD and Congress members will join the BJP.
- The election is significant as it is the first since the BJP gained power in Odisha.
Bhubaneshwar, Oct 15 (NationPress) The Central Election Committee of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially declared Jay Dholakia as its candidate for the upcoming Nuapada by-election in Odisha.
The Nuapada Assembly seat became vacant after the passing of Dholakia's father, the prominent Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Rajendra Dholakia, on September 8.
Initially, it was anticipated that Jay Dholakia would run for the by-election under the BJD banner, following in his father's legacy. However, in a surprising turn of events, he joined the ruling BJP on Saturday (November 11).
BJP sources have indicated that Dholakia is set to submit his nomination on October 16, alongside Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the party's Odisha president Manmohan Samal, and other key leaders.
In a statement to the press, BJP MP Sujeet Kumar mentioned that a significant gathering will take place in Nuapada on Thursday, with expectations of over 40,000 BJP supporters and workers in attendance.
Kumar also revealed that more than 2,000 members from the opposition BJD and Congress party will be joining the ruling BJP during this major induction event.
The BJP MP expressed confidence that the party will secure victory in the by-election by a margin exceeding 50,000 votes.
Political analysts suggest that the ruling BJP is committed to ensuring a win in this bypoll, marking the first electoral challenge since it gained power in the state.
Importantly, the nomination filing process commenced on Monday, with candidates allowed to submit their nominations until October 20, the final date.
Nomination scrutiny is scheduled for October 22, and candidates may withdraw their nominations by October 24.
The by-election for the Nuapada Assembly seat is slated for November 11, with vote counting set for November 14.
The Congress party has selected tribal leader Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate, while the BJD has yet to announce its nominee.