: The high-pitched election campaign for Nuapada by-election in Odisha ended Sunday evening after weeks of rallies and road shows by senior leaders.

The bypoll, necessitated following the death of BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia on September 8, is the first electoral battle after the BJP formed the government in the state last year.

Though the electioneering started from the 11th day memorial meeting of the late MLA, it gained momentum after Dholakia’s son Jay joined the BJP October 11 after quitting his late father’s party, BJD. Dhokalia was elected to the assembly on a BJD ticket in 2009, 2019 and 2024.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, his Chhattisgarh counterpart Vishnu Deo Sai, BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik, deputy chief ministers from Odisha and Chhattisgarh, Union minister Jual Oram, a d

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