Bhubaneswar: In a significant move that charts the course for the upcoming Nuapada by-election, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik convened a high-stakes meeting with three potential candidates at the party's state headquarters on Wednesday. This decisive step positions the main opposition party to formally name its contender for the November 11 polls, setting the stage for a fierce triangular contest against the BJP and the Congress. 
The meeting, which took place amid intense political speculation, featured three prominent party leaders from the district: Abani Joshi, Manoj Mishra, and Bhanu Pratap Singh Majhi. The outcome of this gathering is expected to play a pivotal role in the party's strategy to reclaim the assembly constituency, which fell vacant following the passing of its sitting BJD MLA, Rajendra Dholakia.
· Abani Joshi is a long-time BJD leader and the current president of the party's Nuapada district unit. His experience includes serving as a two-term Zilla Parishad member, and his dedication has been instrumental in strengthening the party's organizational structure in the district.
· Manoj Mishra brings a strong grassroots connect to the table. A former Block chairman, he has served twice as the district president and was instrumental in securing the party's victories in the Komna block. His extensive organizational experience makes him a promising candidate.
· Bhanu Pratap Singh Majhi is a three-term Zilla Parishad member and a two-term deputy chairman. His leadership of the Tribal Welfare Forum is seen as a significant asset, given the substantial percentage of tribal voters in the Nuapada constituency, and could be a major factor in the party's final decision.
Demonstrating a methodical approach to the by-poll, the BJD had previously constituted three specialised committees—a Steering Committee, a Zonal Committee, and a Local Action Committee—to oversee campaign strategy and ground-level mobilization. Notably, both Abani Joshi and Manoj Mishra are also members of the Local Action Committee, underscoring their integral role in the party's electoral machinery.
As political observers and party workers eagerly await the BJD's official announcement, the decision made by Naveen Patnaik will define the party's campaign to retain the Nuapada seat. The by-election is poised to be a critical test of strength for the BJD as it seeks to consolidate its position as Odisha's principal opposition party.
The meeting, which took place amid intense political speculation, featured three prominent party leaders from the district: Abani Joshi, Manoj Mishra, and Bhanu Pratap Singh Majhi. The outcome of this gathering is expected to play a pivotal role in the party's strategy to reclaim the assembly constituency, which fell vacant following the passing of its sitting BJD MLA, Rajendra Dholakia.
The Three Contenders
The party leadership has shortlisted three individuals, each with deep roots in the region and a substantial track record of service.· Abani Joshi is a long-time BJD leader and the current president of the party's Nuapada district unit. His experience includes serving as a two-term Zilla Parishad member, and his dedication has been instrumental in strengthening the party's organizational structure in the district.
· Manoj Mishra brings a strong grassroots connect to the table. A former Block chairman, he has served twice as the district president and was instrumental in securing the party's victories in the Komna block. His extensive organizational experience makes him a promising candidate.
· Bhanu Pratap Singh Majhi is a three-term Zilla Parishad member and a two-term deputy chairman. His leadership of the Tribal Welfare Forum is seen as a significant asset, given the substantial percentage of tribal voters in the Nuapada constituency, and could be a major factor in the party's final decision.
A Strategic Context
The BJD's candidate selection process carries added weight following a recent political setback. Jay Dholakia, the son of the late MLA, recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move that has intensified the political competition in the constituency and forced the BJD to recalibrate its strategy.Demonstrating a methodical approach to the by-poll, the BJD had previously constituted three specialised committees—a Steering Committee, a Zonal Committee, and a Local Action Committee—to oversee campaign strategy and ground-level mobilization. Notably, both Abani Joshi and Manoj Mishra are also members of the Local Action Committee, underscoring their integral role in the party's electoral machinery.
The Competitive Landscape
The other major political players have already declared their cards. The Congress party has named Ghasiram Majhi, the President of the Nuapada District Congress Committee, as its candidate. The ruling BJP, meanwhile, is finalizing its candidate, with its core committee engaged in deliberations. The party has expressed confidence in securing a victory in the by-election.The Road Ahead
With the Election Commission of India announcing the poll schedule, the window for nominations is tight. The last date for filing nominations is October 20, followed by scrutiny on October 22 and the withdrawal of candidacies by October 24. Voting will occur on November 11, and the counting of votes is scheduled for November 14.As political observers and party workers eagerly await the BJD's official announcement, the decision made by Naveen Patnaik will define the party's campaign to retain the Nuapada seat. The by-election is poised to be a critical test of strength for the BJD as it seeks to consolidate its position as Odisha's principal opposition party.
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