Bhubaneswar, Dec, 03: “We did not have an agent at every polling booth earlier. But we learned from the previous defeat, reviewed it thoroughly, and today we have emerged victorious,” said the Chief Minister, addressing a massive thanksgiving meeting following the Nuapada by-election victory.
He added that the entire party collectively carried out ‘Operation Nuapada’. The people of Nuapada turned out in record numbers and, with a historic margin, ensured the victory of BJP candidate Jay Holakia. This result has brought a major political triumph to the party in Odisha.
The Chief Minister stated, “We fought together and achieved a historic victory. The opposition BJD and Congress, knowing their defeat was imminent, attacked us with several false allegations. They even used words like ‘vote theft’ and ‘betrayal’. But their lies had no impact, and the people of Nuapada gave them a fitting response.”
He also criticized the Congress for its internal conflicts, saying that if the party takes action against those it considers ‘traitors’, then the party—consisting of “70% such members”—would collapse completely.
The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment:
“Nuapada’s development is my responsibility. Every promise made will be implemented. From irrigation to industrial development, everything will be taken up. The government is preparing plans, and I will soon visit Nuapada to personally thank the people.”
He assured that newly elected MLA Jay Holakia would work to fulfill the expectations of the people of Nuapada.
Strategy and Organization Behind the Victory
The Chief Minister explained:
“Elections are like a war, and war requires proper strategy. We chalked out a detailed plan, and our workers executed it with discipline. Their confidence is what brought BJP this massive victory.”
Initially, workers from five Parliamentary constituencies were involved, after which ministers were assigned mandals and MLAs were given panchayat-level responsibilities. Party workers at every level—from state to panchayat—were entrusted with duties, which they carried out successfully.
Local leaders led the fight on the ground, and state-level leaders only supported them where needed.
The Chief Minister said the BJP government’s work and achievements were communicated effectively to every individual in Nuapada, helping strengthen people’s trust.
“Seven days before polling, it had become clear that we would win by a huge margin. In the last general election, the BJP stood third, but now people have placed full faith in us and lifted us to the top,” he said.
Acknowledgment by State President
State BJP President Manmohan Samal expressed deep gratitude to all ministers, MLAs, MPs, senior leaders, office bearers of various morchas and cells, and all party workers for contributing to this exceptional victory.
Dignitaries Present
Among those present at the event were:
Ministers Prithviraj Harichandan, Sampad Swain, Gokulananda Mallik, Pradeep Bal Samant
Chief Whip Santosh Pradhan
Rajya Sabha MP Sujit Kumar
Kalahandi MP Malatika Devi
State General Secretary Biranchi Narayan Tripathy
Along with several MPs, MLAs, state and district-level office bearers, and workers from various party wings and committees.