The major opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate for the Nuapada by-election in Odisha, Snehangini Chhuria, filed her nomination papers on Monday.
Chhuria, accompanied by senior BJD figures including Pramila Mallik, Tukuni Sahoo, and Lekhasri Samantsinghar, along with numerous party workers and supporters, reached the Sub Collector’s office in Nuapada and submitted her documents to the returning officer.
Following the submission of her nomination, Chhuria addressed the media, stating, “With the blessings of former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, I have today filed my nomination papers for the Nuapada by-election. On this occasion, I convey my gratitude to my leader Naveen Patnaik. I also extend my thanks and appreciation to all the women, elderly persons, youth, and BJD workers of the Nuapada constituency who joined me in large numbers and expressed their support for my candidature.”
She further outlined the party’s strategy, which will focus on highlighting the failures of the current BJP-led “double engine” government while promoting the achievements of the previous Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government.
Chhuria asserted that people across all segments of society, including Dalits, tribals, and OBCs, are dissatisfied with the BJP’s governance and are recalling the successes of the BJD’s previous administration under Naveen Patnaik.
Expressing confidence in the BJD’s success in the upcoming bypolls, she said, “As they (people of Nuapada) have heartily welcomed us, our journey to victory will be successful and BJD will win the seat with blessings of all.”
The candidates from the Congress and the ruling BJP, Ghasiram Majhi and Jay Dholakia respectively, had already filed their nominations on Saturday, October 18.
The BJD chose to field Chhuria, a two-time MLA from the Attabira Assembly constituency in Bargarh district, after Jay Dholakia, the son of the late four-time Nuapada MLA and BJD leader Rajendra Dholakia, defected to the BJP just prior to the by-polls.
The Nuapada Assembly seat became vacant following the death of Rajendra Dholakia on September 8. The by-election to fill the seat is scheduled for November 11.
