Jay Dholkia Registers Historic Victory in Nuapada Bypoll, BJP Wrests Seat from BJD

Bhubaneswar, Nov 14 : In a landmark political shift in Odisha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Jay Dholkia clinched a massive victory in the Nuapada Assembly by-election, defeating Congress nominee Ghasiram Majhi by an unprecedented margin of 83,748 votes. The result marks a decisive win for the ruling BJP and serves as a reaffirmation of public support following the party’s recent rise to power in the state.

The bypoll assumed significance as it was the first legislative electoral test after the BJP ended the 24-year rule of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik earlier this year.

A Multi-Cornered Contest with a Clear Winner

Despite 14 candidates contesting the seat, the battle was essentially triangular, involving the BJP, Congress, and BJD. However, the final verdict reflected a one-sided mandate in favour of the BJP.

According to the final tally:

The margin of victory sets a new record in Nuapada constituency’s electoral history.

Seat With Emotional Roots

The bypoll was necessitated following the demise of sitting BJD MLA Rajendra Dholkia, a four-time legislator who had first won the seat as an Independent before joining the BJD. His son, Jay Dholkia, entered the political fray after joining the BJP ahead of the by-election.

Dholkia Jr.’s candidature is seen as a strategic blend of inherited local support and the BJP’s growing influence in western Odisha.

BJD Slips to Third, Congress Shows Slight Resilience

The BJD faced a major setback, with its candidate and senior party leader Snehangini Chhuria, a former minister and president of the Biju Mahila Janata Dal, finishing third — signalling a possible erosion of support for the party in regions that had traditionally favoured it.

Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi, a prominent tribal leader, managed to secure the runner-up position. In the 2024 Assembly elections, Majhi had garnered more than 51,000 votes as an Independent, emerging as the closest competitor to Rajendra Dholkia.

This time, however, he failed to retain the momentum in the face of a strong BJP campaign.

Celebrations and Future Plans

After the victory was officially announced, Jay Dholkia led a grand procession through the streets of Nuapada, thanking voters for their overwhelming support. He dedicated his win to the people of the constituency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal.

Speaking to reporters, Dholkia said the win was not just a personal milestone but a mandate for development and change.

“This victory belongs to the people of Nuapada who have placed their trust in the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi. I will work tirelessly to fulfil their expectations,” he said.

Dholkia announced that he would visit Bhubaneswar soon to formally meet the Chief Minister, followed by a trip to Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to seek blessings.

Political Significance

The victory is expected to bolster the BJP’s confidence as it strengthens its governance in Odisha. Political analysts believe this mandate reflects a shift in public sentiment and may influence future electoral dynamics in western Odisha.

With the BJP now firmly securing Nuapada, the party’s presence in the region is expected to expand, potentially reshaping Odisha’s political landscape.