New Delhi: That the BJP would win the Nuapada bypoll in Odisha was expected. It’s not often that a ruling party with an absolute majority loses a bypoll. But the bypoll, the first since BJP came to power last year, ending Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal’s 24-year reign in the state, stands out given the scale of party candidate Jay Dholakia’s victory margin.

Political analysts see it as a big shot in the arm for Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s 17-month-old government. The victory has given a chance to Majhi to establish his authority over both the government and the party in the state, where he was seen to be a lightweight.

The result also strengthens and re-establishes BJP’s hold in a state where the Opposition is already in disarray. Show Full Article

At 5 p.m., when counting

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