Fourteen Contestants Gear Up for Nuapada Assembly By-Election

Nuapada: The stage is set for a 14-cornered contest in the upcoming Nuapada Assembly by-election, with no candidates withdrawing their nominations before the deadline ended on Friday.

According to election officials, the withdrawal window remained open from 11 AM to 3 PM, after which the final list of contestants was officially announced.

Among the key contenders are Jay Dholakia of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Snehangini Chhuria representing the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Ghasiram Majhi from the Indian National Congress (INC).

In addition, three other political parties are also in the fray — Ramakanta Hati of the Samajwadi Party, Hemant Tandi of the Bahujan Mukti Party, and Shukadhar Dandasena of the Odisha Janata Dal.

The remaining eight candidates — Ashraya Mahanand, Chakrant Jena, Bhuban Lal Sahu, Kishor Kumar Bag, Neeta Bag, Lakshmi Kant Tandi, Bhakta Bandhu Dhurua, and Lochana Majhi — are contesting as independents.

With a diverse mix of candidates from major political parties and independent aspirants, the Nuapada by-election on October 24 is expected to witness a fierce multi-cornered electoral battle.