Bhubaneswar: Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) Jay Dholakia won by defeating his nearest rival Congress’ Ghasiram Majhi by an overwhelming margin of 83748 votes .
Although the Election Commission is yet to make a formal announcement, counting of all 29 rounds has concluded, confirming a decisive mandate in favour of the BJP.
Dholakia received 1,23,869 valid votes, far ahead of his nearest rival, Ghasiram Majhi of the Congress, who secured 40,121 votes. BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria finished third with 38,408 votes. The result marks a dramatic political shift, with the BJP reclaiming the seat after a gap of 10 years.
Soon after the victory became clear, Dholakia led a jubilant victory procession along Khariar Road, accompanied by his family, supporters, and party workers.
Vote Tally (Key Candidates)
- Jay Dholakia (BJP): 1,23,869
- Ghasiram Majhi (Congress): 40,121
- Snehangini Chhuria (BJD): 38,408
- Other Independent and smaller party candidates received fewer than 3,000 votes each.
- Postal Ballots: BJP – 112 | Congress – 55 | BJD – 30 | NOTA – 89
With this victory, the BJP’s tally in the Odisha Legislative Assembly has risen to 79 members, further strengthening its position. The BJD’s strength has reduced from 51 to 50 MLAs.
Celebrations erupted across BJP units from Nuapada to Bhubaneswar, with party leaders hailing the massive public mandate.
The Nuapada constituency has seen fluctuating political fortunes over the last decade.
- In 2014, BJP’s Basant Panda clinched the seat, marking the party’s first victory here.
- In 2019, BJD’s Rajendra Dholakia defeated Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi by 20,330 votes.
- In 2024, Dholakia retained the seat for the BJD, defeating Ghasiram Majhi again.
In the previous election, the BJP had finished third in Nuapada—making the latest victory even more significant.
Polling was held on November 11, with 83.45% turnout—one of the highest in Odisha. Of the 2,54,487 registered voters, 2,12,385 exercised their franchise, including 1,03,817 men, 1,08,563 women, and 5 voters from other categories.
