Jay Dholakia wins Nuapada by-poll by massive margin, BJP reclaims seat after a decade

Bhubaneswar, Nov 14: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Jay Dholakia has secured a sweeping and emphatic victory in the Nuapada by-election, defeating his nearest rival, Congress’ Ghasiram Majhi, by an overwhelming margin of 83,748 votes. Although the Election Commission is yet to release an official declaration, the counting of all 29 rounds has been completed, confirming a clear and decisive mandate in favour of the BJP.

Dholakia garnered an impressive 1,23,869 valid votes, leaving Congress nominee Ghasiram Majhi far behind with 40,121 votes. BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria finished third with 38,408 votes. The result marks a significant political shift, as the BJP has successfully regained the Nuapada seat after a gap of 10 years, signalling rising public confidence in the party’s leadership.

As news of the victory became evident, Dholakia led a grand victory procession along Khariar Road, joined by jubilant supporters, family members, and party workers who celebrated the historic win.

Other smaller-party and independent candidates received fewer than 3,000 votes each. Postal ballot results also favoured the BJP, which secured 112 votes, followed by Congress with 55, BJD with 30, and NOTA receiving 89.

With this victory, the BJP’s strength in the Odisha Legislative Assembly has increased to 79 MLAs, while the BJD’s tally has reduced from 51 to 50. Celebrations erupted across BJP offices from Nuapada to Bhubaneswar, with leaders describing the mandate as a strong endorsement of the party’s growing influence in the state.