Nuapada, Nov 6: As the Nuapada by-election draws closer, the political atmosphere in the district is heating up. On November 11, voters in Nuapada will cast their votes to elect their new representative. Every political party has set its sights on women, tribal, and farmer voters, who are expected to play a decisive role in the election outcome.
According to political observers, women voters may play a crucial role in determining the result of this by-election. Since the BJP government came to power in the state, it has implemented the Subhadra Yojana, a scheme aimed at empowering women financially. Under this program, 1,65,788 women in the district received the first installment of financial assistance — including 35,733 in Nuapada block, 37,749 in Komna, 3,254 in Nuapada NAC, and 4,001 in Khariar Road.
In the fourth installment, 1,54,909 women across the district received financial aid, meaning 10,879 women missed out compared to the first phase. The ruling BJP hopes that the Subhadra Yojana will translate into strong support from women voters.
On the other hand, the BJD has fielded a woman candidate — Snehangini Chhuria, originally from Atabira in Bargarh district. Despite not being a local resident, she has been actively reaching out to women voters across Nuapada. Many women leaders of the BJD are working tirelessly to mobilize female support for her. How far the BJD’s “women card” can counter the BJP’s Subhadra Yojana remains to be seen when the votes are counted.
Farmers’ support is expected to be another deciding factor in this by-election. During the 2024–25 kharif season, 46,346 farmers registered to sell paddy, while 13,297 registered in the rabi season. In the 2025–26 kharif season, the number has increased to 51,341 farmers, showing a rise of 4,995 registrations compared to last year.
Since the BJP came to power, the government has been providing a bonus of ₹800 per quintal of paddy in addition to the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The BJP is optimistic that this incentive will earn them the farmers’ support. However, both the BJD and Congress are also working hard to attract the farming community’s votes.
Nuapada district also has 1,392 Anganwadi workers, 1,382 Anganwadi helpers, and 1,140 ASHA workers — grassroots functionaries who hold considerable influence in their villages. Their impact on local voters could play a significant role in the final outcome.
This by-election has turned into a triangular fight among BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria, BJP’s Jay Dholakia, and Congress’s Ghasiram Majhi. Dholakia is the son of a late MLA, while Majhi represents the local tribal community. With one woman candidate, one local tribal candidate, and one political heir in the fray, the battle promises to be intense.
Ultimately, the direction of women and farmer votes is expected to determine who emerges victorious in this high-stakes by-election.
