BHUBANESWAR – In a significant political move, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has officially declared Snehangini Chhuria as its candidate for the upcoming crucial by-election in the Nuapada assembly constituency. The announcement came directly from the party's president and former Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, who offered his full endorsement for the seasoned leader. 
BJD Picks Snehangini Chhuria for Nuapada Bypoll


Patnaik, addressing the media and party members, presented Chhuria as a formidable choice for the region. He highlighted her extensive experience and dedicated service to the people of Odisha.

A Leader with Proven Experience

“I wish to declare Smt. Snehangini Chhuria, a strong leader from Western Odisha who has served in our Ministry in the past and has also handled many important portfolios and issues, as our candidate,” Patnaik stated. He specifically pointed to her long-standing commitment to marginalized communities, noting, “She has always fought for the poor and the downtrodden, and women in particular.”
The former Chief Minister’s announcement was both a formal declaration and a ringing personal endorsement. He expressed his heartfelt congratulations for the "many good works that she has done for the people of our state, particularly the poor and women."

Full Party Support Pledged

Emphasizing the party's unified backing, Patnaik confirmed that the entire BJD machinery would rally behind Chhuria's campaign. He also made a personal commitment to the constituents of Nuapada, declaring, “We will all be there to support her, and of course, I will be visiting Nuapada.” This statement signals the high stakes the party places on winning this by-poll.
The party president concluded the announcement by formally ratifying the decision. “Therefore, we have concluded in our party that she will be the candidate from BJD for the ensuing byelections in Nuapada,” he declared.

Chhuria’s Pledge to the People

Following the announcement, an emotional Snehangini Chhuria expressed her profound gratitude to Naveen Patnaik and the BJD leadership for their trust. She immediately shifted her focus to the voters, making a heartfelt pledge.
“My heartiest gratitude to BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik for selecting me as the candidate. I have always worked for the poor, women and downtrodden and will continue to do so,” Chhuria stated. She framed her candidacy not as a personal ambition but as a mission to serve. “Today, I pledge here that all the people of Nuapada are my family members and promise to always be with them during their hard times until my last breath.”
Directly appealing for public support, she added, “I seek the people of Nuapada to come out as a winner... So, please bless me so that BJD will fight for justice.”

The Road Ahead

The nomination of Snehangini Chhuria sets the stage for a closely watched contest in Nuapada. Her background as a former minister and her emphasis on social welfare and women's issues are expected to be central themes of the BJD's campaign. With the promise of a personal visit from the highly influential Naveen Patnaik, the party is clearly aiming to mobilize its full strength to secure a victory in this by-election. The people of Nuapada will now watch as the campaign unfolds, deciding who will ultimately represent their interests in the state assembly.