By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: The political battle in the Nuapada by-election has taken a dramatic turn. Once trailing behind, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is now aggressively closing the gap, thanks to its renewed grassroots strategy and a twist that’s being described by locals as “political hijack for revenge.”
It all started when Jay Dholakia, son of late BJD leader Raju Dholakia, was “hijacked” by the BJP and declared their candidate for the bypoll. This move left BJD workers shocked and weakened the party’s local structure. But in an unexpected counterattack, the BJD has now started pulling BJP workers into its fold, aiming to regain lost ground in Nuapada.
According to political insiders, BJD leaders Pranab Prakash Das (Bobby Das) and Khariar MLA Adhiraj Panigrahi are leading the charge in bringing back key grassroots supporters. Their strategy appears to be working; the BJP’s confidence is reportedly shaken, and the party has begun filing police complaints against BJD leaders.
One such case has been filed at Komna Police Station, where a BJP supporter has accused BJD leaders of threatening, assaulting, and intimidating him with death threats. Police sources have confirmed that a case has been registered under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 296, 351(2), (3), (5), 126(2), and 115(2).
This FIR has intensified the already heated political climate in Nuapada. The BJP alleges that the BJD is using fear and muscle power to reclaim lost territory, while the BJD insists it is rebuilding its support base naturally after being betrayed by Jay Dholakia’s switch.
Political observers say the situation is highly volatile. With both sides exchanging accusations, the by-election has become a test of loyalty and survival for local leaders. For the BJP, if workers continue defecting to BJD, the party’s chances of winning may collapse entirely.
The question now dominating Nuapada’s political circles is simple
Was hijacking Jay Dholakia a masterstroke for the BJP, or the beginning of its downfall?
