Bhubaneswar, October 24: Fourteen candidates are in the fray for the Nuapada Assembly by-election scheduled to be held on November 11. On the last date for withdrawal of papers today, no candidate withdrew nomination.

Today was the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers for the 71-Nuapada Assembly By-Election. Candidates were permitted to withdraw their nominations between 11 AM and 3 PM. However, no candidate withdrew their nomination papers. Consequently, a total of 14 candidates will contest in the Nuapada Assembly By-Election.

The contesting candidates include Jay Dholakia from the BJP, Snehangini Chhuria from the BJD, Ghasiram Majhi from the Indian National Congress, Ramakanta Hati from the Samajwadi Party, Hemant Tandi from the Bahujan Mukti Party, and Shukadhar Dandsena from the Odisha Janata Dal, along with eight Independent candidates - Ashraya Mahandan, Er. Chakranta Jena, Bhuvan Lal Sahu, Kishore Kumar Bag, Nita Bag, Lakshmikant Tandi, Bhaktabandhu Dharua, and Lochan Majhi.

It is noted that five nomination papers were rejected during the scrutiny process.

The rejected candidates are Rajaram Sahu of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Sitaram Behera of the Rastriya Paribartan Dal, and three Independent candidates - Kamal Kumar Chhatria, Purushottam Behera, and Bhujabal Adabangu.

The entire election process is scheduled to be completed by Sunday, November 16.