By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: According to political observers, the Nuapada by-election has turned into a silent battlefield between Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik. Today, Mohan Majhi held his first campaign in Nuapada and made a striking statement, “This time, we are fighting Congress, not BJD.” The remark clearly hinted that the BJP does not consider BJD a serious contender in this poll.
However, on the same day, which also happens to be Naveen Patnaik’s 79th birthday, the veteran leader hit the streets of Bhubaneswar, leading a massive Padayatra and signalling that he is back in the political field. For many, it was a symbolic moment as if Naveen had awakened just when Mohan had begun to relax.
According to BJD insiders, Naveen is preparing a strategic counterattack. He plans to use the Nuapada by-election not merely to win a seat but to humiliate the BJP politically. Reports suggest Naveen wants to ensure that the BJP finishes third, behind both BJD and Congress, to send a clear message to voters and rivals alike.
The tension deepened after the BJP decided to field Jay Dholakia, a former BJD leader who was allegedly “hijacked” by the ruling party. This move has created resentment among local voters, and visuals from Mohan Majhi’s rally with half-empty chairs have already gone viral on social media.
Meanwhile, Naveen has personally stepped into the campaign, urging people to support Snehangini Chhuria, BJD’s candidate. Political analysts say that if Naveen’s renewed presence continues, the BJP’s game plan could collapse entirely.
Adding to the drama, a photo of Mohan Majhi, Manmohan Samal, and Jay Dholakia seated together at a press meet has sparked a storm online, their faces tense, smiles missing, and Majhi appearing visibly weary.
In contrast, BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria said, “Naveen Patnaik’s decision was a surprise for me. But Nuapada is not new to me. I have deep roots here. The Chief Minister believes I can serve the people and strengthen the party in this region.”
As the battle heats up, it seems the once-silent Naveen Patnaik is now scripting his grand political comeback, and Nuapada might just be the stage where the first act unfolds.
