Bhubaneswar, 15 October (H.S.): The political landscape in Nuapada is heating up ahead of the upcoming Assembly by-election, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress already announcing their candidates. However, suspense continues to loom over the ruling Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) nominee.

The BJP has fielded Jay Dholakia, son of late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, while the Congress has nominated Ghasiram Majhi for the seat. With both major opposition parties declaring their contenders, all eyes are now on the BJD’s next move.

Despite multiple rounds of discussions, the BJD is yet to make an official announcement. Sources, however, indicate that Manoj Mishra has emerged as the frontrunner for the ticket. Senior party leaders, including Babi Das, Tukuni Sahu, and Snehangini Chhuria, were reportedly present at Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s residence in Bhubaneswar today for a round of consultations.

According to party insiders, three aspirants — Manoj Mishra, Bhanu Pratap Singh Majhi, and Avani Joshi — are scheduled to meet the Chief Minister in the afternoon to present their cases. A final decision on the BJD candidate is expected to be made shortly after these deliberations.

With the BJP and Congress already in the fray, the BJD’s choice is likely to shape the dynamics of the Nuapada bypoll, setting the stage for an intense triangular contest in the politically significant constituency.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda