Voting Begins for Nuapada Assembly Bypoll in Odisha Amid Tight Security
Four major parties in fray as polling held across 358 booths

Voting began at 7 a.m. on Tuesday for the Nuapada Assembly by-election in Odisha amid tight security arrangements, an election official said. The polling, which is being held across 358 booths, will continue till 5 p.m. in most locations, while voting in 47 sensitive booths, including those in Left Wing Extremist-affected areas, will conclude an hour earlier at 4 p.m.

A total of 14 candidates are contesting the bypoll, with the key contenders being Snehangini Chhuria of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Jay Dholakia of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ghasiram Majhi of the Congress, and Ramakanta Hati representing the Samajwadi Party.

Security forces have been deployed in and around all polling stations to ensure smooth and peaceful voting. Vigil has been intensified in the sensitive zones, and polling personnel have been instructed to maintain strict adherence to the Election Commission’s guidelines.

The Nuapada bypoll was necessitated following the resignation of the sitting MLA. The outcome of the election is being closely watched as it is expected to set the tone for the 2025 Odisha Assembly elections.