By Anurjay Dhal
BHUBANESWAR: The results of Nuapada bye elections have far-reaching implications for Odisha’s political landscape, reinforcing the BJP’s grip on power while exposing vulnerabilities in the opposition.
Boost to BJP and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi: The sweeping win enhances CM Majhi’s authority within the BJP and the state government. Previously viewed as a “lightweight” without strong administrative experience, this victory provides him with much-needed political “muscle” to consolidate his leadership and push forward the party’s agenda. It signals strong voter approval for the BJP’s governance in western Odisha, potentially stabilizing the coalition dynamics in the assembly.
Deepening Crisis for BJD: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) suffered a historic humiliation by slipping to third place with its lowest vote share ever in Nuapada—a traditional stronghold. This defeat highlights internal turmoil, voter discontent, and a leadership vacuum post-Naveen Patnaik’s era. It could accelerate defections and erode the party’s rural base, raising questions about its viability as the main opposition ahead of future polls.
Signs of Revival for Congress: By securing second place and ousting the BJD, the Congress has gained ground in a constituency where it has historically struggled. Ghasi Ram Majhi’s consistent runner-up finishes (as an Independent in 2024 and Congress nominee in 2019/2025) indicate a potential resurgence in tribal-dominated areas like Nuapada. This could help the INC rebuild its presence in Odisha, positioning it as a credible alternative to the BJD in anti-BJP alliances.
Overall, the by-election redraws Odisha’s power map by widening the BJP’s lead, fragmenting the opposition, and setting the tone for the 2029 assembly elections. It reflects shifting voter preferences toward development and anti-incumbency against regional parties, with ripple effects on coalition strategies and seat-sharing in the state.
Jay Dholakia (BJP): Won with 1,23,869 votes (approximately 59% vote share).
Ghasi Ram Majhi (Indian National Congress – INC): Second place with 40,066 votes.
Snehangini Chhuria (Biju Janata Dal – BJD): Third place, marking the party’s worst-ever performance in the constituency with a significantly lower vote share.
The victory margin for the BJP was over 83,000 votes, a landslide that underscores the party’s dominance in the region. This by-election was necessitated by the resignation of the previous MLA, and it turned into a high-stakes three-way contest.
The Nuapada Assembly by-election in Odisha, held on November 12, 2025, with a voter turnout of around 83.45%, saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerge victorious with a resounding margin.
