BHUBANESWAR: In a surprise move, the BJD on Wednesday announced former minister and president of the Biju Mahila Janata Dal (BMJD) Snehangini Chhuria as the party’s candidate for by-election to Nuapada Assembly constituency. BJD president Naveen Patnaik said Chhuria is a strong leader from western Odisha. “She has always fought for the poor, the downtrodden and women in particular.
She has been a tremendous asset for the party. Therefore, the party decided that she will be our candidate for the ensuing by-election in Nuapada,” he added. The leader of opposition also announced that he will campaign for Chhuria in the by-election.
All other aspirants including former chairman of the Nuadapa NAC Manoj Mishra were present at Naveen Nivas when the BJD president announced Chhuria as the party’s candidate. Chhuria also thanked the party president for reposing faith in her and making her the candidate from Nuapada.
Chhuria had won from Attabira assembly constituency in Bargarh district in 2014 and 2019 elections. However, she unsuccessfully fought from the seat in 2024 and lost to Nihar Ranjan Mahanand of the BJP.