The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s record victory in Odisha's Nuapada assembly seat byelection, held on November 11, is a stark contrast to its third-place finish in the 2024 general election. This surprise win for the ruling party has significantly strengthened Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi’s position.

After the BJP secured its first independent victory in Odisha last year, ending Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik’s record 24-year tenure, the party leadership appointed Majhi, a tribal leader, as Chief Minister. This move is likely aimed at resonating with the tribal community, which comprises 23 per cent of Odisha's population.

ବିପୁଳ ବିଜୟ ପାଇଁ ହାର୍ଦ୍ଦିକ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା ଶ୍ରୀ ଜୟ ଢୋଲକିଆ । #DhanyabadNuapada #NuapadaWithBJP pic.twitter.com/LgWlDybkZw — BJP Odisha (@BJP4Odisha)

See Full Page