Voting has begun for the Nuapada by-election in Odisha with brisk polling reported since 7 AM. Voters were seen enthusiastically exercising their democratic rights across 358 polling booths in the constituency.

The bypoll has turned into a triangular contest with 14 candidates in the fray. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Jay Dholakia, son of late BJD legislator Rajendra Dholakia, while the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has nominated Snehangini Chhuria. The Congress is banking on Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate.

This by-election holds significant political importance for both BJP and BJD. For the BJP, it is the first bypoll after forming the government in the state — seen as a test of public trust and confidence in the new administration. For the BJD, it is an acid test to gauge whet

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