There is growing conjecture regarding the candidate that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will put forward as the Nuapada Assembly by-election approaches. Discussions inside the party circles have heated up in anticipation of the November 11 poll date, and a more definitive image of the likely nominee could soon become apparent.

Party sources say National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh and National Joint General Secretary V. Satish will be present at the BJP's core committee meeting in Bhubaneswar today. In addition to discussing organisational issues and the by-election plan, the gathering is anticipated to decide on a candidate's name.

Which individuals are leading the race?

Abhinandan Panda, who ran unsuccessfully from the constituency in the 2024 Assembly election, is one of the leading candidates. He is the son of Basanta Panda, the former president of the State BJP, whose name has also come up as a possible candidate.

Khariar Road NAC Chairperson Sonia Jain and State Executive Committee member Jadumani Panigrahi, both of whom are regarded as prominent local figures, are allegedly among the other names being considered.

On October 13, the Election Commission will formally announce the bypoll, and on October 20, nominations must be submitted.

Given the strategic significance of the Nuapada seat in western Odisha politics, the BJP leadership—both at the state and federal levels—is anticipated to make a well-considered choice.

The Biju Janata Dal's Rajendra Dholakia, the current MLA, died on September 8, necessitating the Nuapada by-election.