By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: The political battlefield of the Nuapada by-election is heating up fast, and this time, it’s not just between parties; it’s within the posters themselves. Both BJD and BJP have been caught in a symbolic tug of war over one name, the late leader Rajendra Dholakia.
The political air of Nuapada has turned electric as both parties have used Rajendra Dholakia’s photo in their campaign posters. On one side, Naveen Patnaik’s BJD features the late leader’s image on the poster titled “Naveen’s Nuapada Warrior”. On the other hand, BJP candidate Jay Dholakia, son of Rajendra Dholakia, carries his father’s legacy in his own campaign materials.
This poster politics has now become the talk of Odisha’s political circles. It symbolises not just a fight for votes, but a fight for emotional connection over who truly represents the legacy of Nuapada’s most respected leader.
Meanwhile, the BJD has rolled out its 40-member star campaigner list, including 16 MLAs and senior leaders such as Debi Prasad Mishra, Niranjan Pujari, and Pranab Prakash Das. Naveen Patnaik himself is set to hit the ground in Nuapada, making it clear that the BJD is taking this bypoll very seriously.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s BJP and Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi have also shown strength on the ground, with massive roadshows and nomination rallies. As the three forces BJD, BJP, and Congress march into the battlefield, Nuapada is witnessing one of its most dramatic political showdowns in recent years.
With posters, emotions, and leaders all in play, the big question remains: when will the conch blow loud enough to shake Nuapada’s silence?
