Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Nuapada Bypoll 2025 is set to reshape Odisha’s political equations as the district gears up for a high-stakes contest. The by-election follows the demise of sitting MLA Rajendra Dholakia and has already charged up the atmosphere in Nuapada. With the official notification expected soon, the three major parties—BJD, BJP, and Congress—are preparing for an intense battle for dominance. Each party has started evaluating candidate options, while aspirants like Abhinandan Panda, Jay Dholakia, and Ghasiram Majhi are actively campaigning at the grassroots level.
After the memorial meeting of late MLA Rajendra Dholakia, political activity surged across Nuapada. Leaders from BJD, BJP, and Congress have stepped up ticket allocation discussions, while aspirants eagerly await approval from their party supremos. Senior leaders are visiting villages, addressing issues, and strengthening their base. Aspirants are actively attending local events, listening to grievances, and highlighting solutions for farm distress, fertilizer shortages, and drinking water problems.
The BJD is likely to nominate Jay Dholakia, son of the late MLA Rajendra Dholakia, to retain the seat. Jay has already become an active figure in Nuapada politics. He frequently joined Khariar MLA Adhiraj Panigrahi in farmers’ protests over fertilizer scarcity. Jay has also pledged to continue his father’s legacy of public service. Political observers believe that the sympathy factor and goodwill left behind by Rajendra Dholakia could help the BJD secure voter support.
The BJP is working on a blueprint for Abhinandan Panda, son of former Odisha BJP President Basant Panda. Abhinandan has emerged as a strong contender after his performance in the 2024 Assembly election, where he secured 44,814 votes as the BJP candidate from Nuapada. Although he did not win, his vote share reflected growing support. Since then, Abhinandan has consistently toured villages, interacted with locals, and built an image as a grassroots leader. Analysts say that with the BJP ruling both at the state and central levels, the party will use governance and youth appeal to strengthen its campaign.
Meanwhile, the Congress plans to rely on veteran tribal leader Ghasiram Majhi. A prominent figure in Nuapada for over four decades, Majhi has contested six Assembly elections. In the 2024 polls, he ran as an independent and secured 50,941 votes, finishing second. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das has reportedly cleared his candidature. If confirmed, Ghasiram’s tribal identity and long-standing presence could consolidate Congress’s base in the region.
The triangular fight promises a high-voltage bypoll in Odisha, with each candidate bringing unique strengths. BJD’s Jay Dholakia banks on legacy and sympathy, BJP’s Abhinandan Panda emphasizes youth energy and organizational strength, while Congress pins hopes on Ghasiram’s tribal connect and decades of experience.
The Nuapada Bypoll 2025 has already turned into one of the most closely watched contests in Odisha politics 2025. While the Election Commission has yet to announce the polling date, campaign momentum continues to rise, and political equations in Nuapada are changing rapidly.
