The Congress party on Tuesday nominated Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate for the upcoming bye-election to the Nuapada assembly constituency in Odisha. The by-poll is scheduled for November 11, with the result to be declared on November 14.
Congress party’s general secretary K C Venugopal, in a press statement this evening, said, “Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the candidature of Ghasiram Majhi as Congress candidate for the ensuing bye-election to the Legislative Assembly of Odisha from Nuapada constituency.”
A post from the Odisha Congress on its official X handle read, “Congratulations to Shri Ghasiram Majhi on being chosen as Congress Party’s candidate for the Nuapada Assembly by election. With our collective strength and determination, we will ensure his resounding victory and serve the people with sincerity and commitment.”
Majhi had previously contested the 2024 assembly election from Nuapada as an independent candidate after being denied the Congress ticket.
In that election, he came in second with 50,941 votes, behind the victorious BJD nominee, Rajendra Dholakia. BJP candidate Abhinandan Panda, son of former Kalahandi MP Basant Panda, secured third position by securing 44,814 votes while Congress nominee and the then OPCC president Sarat Pattnayak got only 15,501 votes.
Majhi also contested the assembly seat in 2014 and 2019, securing third and second positions, respectively.
The ruling BJP and the main opposition party, BJD, have not yet announced their respective candidates for the by-election.
The by-election in the Nuapada assembly constituency was necessitated due to the death of sitting MLA Rajendra Dholakia on September 8 because of health-related issues.
Following his demise, the BJD’s strength in the 147-member assembly stands at 50, with the BJP holds 78 seats, Congress 14, CPI(M) one, and three Independent legislators, respectively.
