As many as 19 candidates have filed their nomination papers for the upcoming by-election to the Nuapada Assembly constituency, scheduled for November 11, according to a statement issued by the Chief Electoral Office (CEO) of Odisha on Monday.

Among the 19 candidates, eight are contesting under the banner of recognized political parties, while the remaining 11 have entered the fray as independent candidates.

The candidates representing political parties include Snehangini Chhuria from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Jay Dholakia from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ghasiram Majhi from the Congress, Ramakant Hati from the Samajwadi Party, Hemant Thandi from the Bahujan Mukti Party, Raja Ram Sahu from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Shukadhar Dandasena from the Odisha Janata Dal, and Sitaram Behera from the Rashtriya Parivartan Dal.

The bypoll is being closely watched as it is expected to test the political pulse of the region ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. With multiple candidates in the fray, the constituency is likely to witness a keenly contested battle.

Scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted as per the Election Commission’s schedule, and the final list of candidates will be announced after the withdrawal deadline. Security and election arrangements are being strengthened to ensure smooth and peaceful polling on November 11.