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Nuapada Bypoll Mystery: Why 91% Voter Turnout Raises Rigging Concerns

The BJP's decisive lead in the Nuapada bypoll has sparked major controversy from opposition parties. Both BJD and Congress are crying foul over alleged misuse of government machinery and money power. Suspicious voter turnout patterns, including 91% at some booths, have raised serious rigging concerns. Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi claims voters were "sold off" while blaming his own party's lack of support.

Key Points: BJP Nuapada Bypoll Win Sparks BJD Congress Election Fraud Claims

  • BJD alleges triple-engine government influence from Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Centre
  • Suspicious 91% voter turnout at 41 booths raises rigging concerns
  • Congress candidate claims massive money distribution led to his defeat
  • Election Commission observers accused of ignoring code violations during silence period
2 min read

BJP's decisive lead in Nuapada bypolls: BJD, Congress allege misuse of money, Govt machinery

BJD and Congress allege BJP misused money power and government machinery in Nuapada bypoll, citing suspicious 91% voter turnout and post-polling vote additions.

"Personality has no role to play; money always does the trick in elections. The voters in the Nuapada constituency were sold off. - Ghasiram Majhi"

Bhubaneswar, Nov 14

Amid the imminent defeat in the Nuapada bypoll in Odisha, the opposition Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing money and government machinery in the constituency to woo voters in its favour.

While interacting with media persons, senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra alleged that the misuse of government machinery, the apathy of Election Commission of India observers towards violations of various election codes--particularly during the 48-hour silence period--and the combined influence of the 'triple-engine government' of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and the Union government contributed to the victory of BJP candidate Jay Dholakia in the Nuapada bypoll.

Mishra once again raised concerns over the 'unusual' spike in polling on November 11, hinting at possible vote rigging. He claimed that voter turnout exceeding 91 per cent at around 41 booths, and over 83 per cent at about 50 polling booths, suggested possible manipulation that required a thorough investigation.

It is pertinent to mention that BJD vice president Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak had earlier alleged that, according to election officials, voter turnout stood at 75 per cent till 5 p.m. on polling day. However, later reports indicated that the figure had increased to 83.5 per cent. He said that while a high voter turnout is generally a positive sign for democracy, the addition of more than 8 per cent votes after the closing time raised serious doubts.

Meanwhile, Congress candidate and tribal leader Ghasiram Majhi also alleged that the massive distribution of money in the constituency led to his defeat. "Personality has no role to play; money always does the trick in elections. I have done a lot. Being tribal or a member of OBC communities is of no use before money. The voters in the Nuapada constituency were sold off," alleged Majhi.

He further expressed his dissatisfaction over not receiving any support from the central leadership of the Indian National Congress, stating that the party's top leaders neither campaigned for him nor provided any financial assistance.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The 8% vote increase after closing time is really suspicious. Election Commission should investigate this properly. Democracy only works when elections are free and fair.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows Indian politics closely, I must say both BJD and Congress have valid concerns. The triple-engine government comment makes sense - when state and central governments work together, it creates an uneven playing field.
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Arjun K
Ghasiram Majhi's statement about tribal identity not mattering before money is heartbreaking. This is the reality in many constituencies across India. Money power is destroying our democracy. 😔
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Michael C
While I support BJP's development agenda, I must respectfully say that such allegations need to be taken seriously. A strong opposition is crucial for any democracy, and if these claims are true, it damages our institutions.
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Kavya N
Congress candidate complaining about no support from central leadership shows the internal problems in that party. First fix your own house, then talk about others! 🤷‍♀️
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Vikram M
91% voter turnout is actually amazing if it's genuine! In my area, we struggle to get 60%. Maybe people in Nuapada are more politically aware? Or maybe something fishy is going on...

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