Nuapada, October 21: A total of 19 candidates have filed their nomination papers for the upcoming Nuapada Assembly by-election, as the deadline for submission came to a close. Among the contenders, 11 are independent candidates, reflecting a significant interest in the constituency from outside the major political parties.
The scrutiny of nomination papers is scheduled for October 22, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 24. Voters will head to the polls on November 11, with counting of votes and result declaration set for November 14.
Prominent candidates in the fray include:
• Snehalata Chhuria of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
• Jay Dholakia representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
• Ghasiram Majhi from the Indian National Congress (INC)
• Ramakant Hati of the Samajwadi Party
• Hemant Tandi from the Bahujan Mukti Party
• Raja Ram Sahu contesting on a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) ticket
• Shukadhara Dandasena of the Odisha Janata Dal
• Sitaram Behera representing the Rashtriya Parivartan Dal
The list of independent candidates includes:
Ashraya Mahananda, E. Chakranta Jena, Purushottam Behera, Kamal Kumar Chhatria, Bhubanlal Sahu, Lochan Majhi, Bhujabala Adabanga, Kishore Kumar Bag, Bhakta Bandhu Dharua, Nita Bag, and Laxmikant Tandi.
The Nuapada by-election has drawn attention as parties gear up for a crucial electoral battle ahead of the 2024 general elections.
