Bhubaneswar, November 8: With the Nuapada Assembly by-election fast approaching, a fresh political controversy has erupted. The Income Tax Department on Saturday reportedly conducted a raid on the residence of Mohammad Junaid, a former Congress leader and the ex-president of Khariar Road Nagar Congress. Junaid, who recently joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has become a key figure in the Nuapada region.

Junaid, a prominent Muslim leader in Nuapada and a long-time Congress supporter, officially joined the BJD on Friday during a public meeting in Nuapada in the presence of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and several senior BJD leaders. In addition to Junaid, over a hundred of his supporters also switched allegiance to the BJD during the event yesterday.

At the meeting, Junaid explained his decision, stating, "I served the Congress for 17 years, but the party has always remained dormant, coming to life only during elections. It has no real connection with the people. I have always been inspired by the leadership of Naveen Patnaik, under whose governance Odisha has experienced unparalleled development. His leadership stands unmatched in the country."

The timing of the IT raid, which occurred just one day after Junaid’s induction into the BJD, has raised eyebrows and sparked political speculation. However, the Income Tax Department has not released any official statement or details regarding the raid or its findings.

As the by-election on November 11 draws closer, political activity has reached a fever pitch. The BJP, BJD, and Congress are all intensifying their campaigns in a final push to sway voters ahead of the crucial election.