Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced a formidable 52-member campaign team, including former ministers and current and former MLAs, to lead its charge in the battle for political legacy and prestige in Nuapada bye-election.
Eighteen senior leaders will spearhead the campaign for the party’s candidate, Snehangini Chhuria, in each of Nuapada and Komna blocks and eight in the two NACs to optimise outreach in both rural and urban areas.
Many of these leaders were part of BJD’s successful campaigns in earlier by-elections between 2019 and 2024 when the party won 7 of 8 contests. Several younger faces like Deepali Das, Souvik Biswal & Devi Tripathy are also in the campaign Team.
The official order signed by BJD President Naveen Patnailk puts the directive into immediate effect amid attempts by the party to reclaim ground in this crucial by-poll after losing its probable candidate, Jay Dholakia, son of late sitting MLA Rajendra Dholakia whose death necessitated the bypoll, to BJP. It also marks the BJD’s first major political test since losing power in the state in 2024.
The ruling BJP had also released its list of 40 senior leaders, including the Odisha and Chhattisgarh CMs and Union Ministers, who will campaign for the party’s candidate, Jay Dholakia, for the Nuapada by-election scheduled for November 11.
