BJD Urges CEO to Seal Nuapada Borders Ahead of November 11 Bypoll

With just two days left for the Nuapada by-election, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday urged the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha to take immediate steps to ensure free and fair polling by sealing the constituency’s borders.

BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty alleged that there were credible reports of large-scale infiltration of “outsiders” from neighbouring Chhattisgarh, allegedly backed by BJP leaders and workers, with the intention of influencing voters through “coercion and financial inducements.”

“BJD has called upon the Election Commission to take stringent preventive measures, including sealing the inter-state borders and increasing surveillance at key entry points, to maintain the sanctity of the democratic process,” Mohanty told reporters in Bhubaneswar.

He further claimed that the party had received information about attempts to misuse money and muscle power to sway voters in the run-up to the November 11 bypoll. “We urge the CEO to deploy adequate security forces, intensify vehicle checking, and monitor the movement of suspicious individuals and cash to prevent any form of malpractice,” he added.

The Nuapada by-election has seen heightened political activity, with all major parties ramping up their campaigns. The BJD’s appeal to the CEO underscores rising tensions and mutual accusations between the ruling party and the BJP, which are locked in a fierce contest for the seat.

Polling in the Nuapada Assembly constituency is scheduled for November 11, with counting to take place on November 14.