Bhubaneswar, Oct 23 – The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) initiated its campaign for the Nuapada bypoll in Odisha on Thursday, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mobilizing a significant number of ministers to challenge the opposition party for the seat.

The campaign launch took place at the revered Banjari Temple, led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, where rituals were conducted for the party’s candidate, Snehangini Chhuria. Senior BJD leaders, including vice president Debi Prasad Mishra, participated in the prayers alongside Chhuria.

During a public meeting following the temple visit, Chhuria expressed her dedication to the comprehensive development of Nuapada, stating, “My journey for the constituency’s progress has officially begun today.” Mishra criticized the BJP’s “double engine government,” claiming it has led to “double destruction” in the state over the past 16 months. He accused the new government of failing to meet the public’s aspirations and neglecting crucial infrastructure, welfare initiatives, and development schemes that affect livelihoods.

Patnaik is expected to embark on a two-day campaign tour of the district on November 6 and 7 to support Chhuria, who is a former state minister and currently serves as the president of the BJD’s women’s wing.

In contrast, the ruling BJP has assigned eight ministers, representing half of the state cabinet, to ensure their candidate, Jay Dholakia, secures the seat. Dholakia is the son of the late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, whose passing prompted the November 11 bypoll in Nuapada. Each minister has been tasked with overseeing specific areas of the campaign, while Deputy Chief Minister KV Singhdeo and veteran party member Jaynarayan Mishra have been appointed to manage the overall by-election efforts.

Additionally, the Congress party has ramped up its campaign activities, with candidate Ghasiram Jahi focusing on door-to-door outreach. The party has also filed a complaint with the Election Commission, requesting action against a local web channel for allegedly disseminating “abusive, defamatory, and fabricated news.”