Bhubaneswar, November 17: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday praised BJP workers for their role in securing a historic win in the Nuapada by-election, calling it a result of “collective effort” and the “tireless work of our devoted karyakartas.”

At a Thanksgiving meeting in Bhubaneswar, Majhi reflected on the party’s past setbacks, including no agents at polling booths in earlier elections, and how they turned those lessons into victory.

BJP candidate Jay Dholakia’s landslide victory, marked by an unprecedented voter turnout, was described as “Operation Nuapada”—a counter to the rivals’ “Operation Sindoor.” Despite attacks from the BJD and Congress, accusing the BJP of “vote theft” and “rigging,” Majhi highlighted that Nuapada voters gave them a resounding response.

Majhi assured that he would take personal responsibility for the district’s development, vowing to fast-track projects in areas like irrigation and industrial growth. He also pledged to resolve local issues swiftly and visit Nuapada soon.

State BJP President Manmohan Samal credited the win to the party’s strategic planning and the confidence of party workers at every level, from state leaders to grassroots volunteers. He also acknowledged support from BJP workers in Chhattisgarh, thanking the state's leadership for their help.

The victory was celebrated by a host of BJP leaders, including Ministers, MPs, and MLAs, and marked a significant political shift in Odisha, propelling the BJP from third to first place in the region. Majhi also took a dig at Congress, joking that their post-poll purges would “wipe the party clean.”