BJD alleges large scale rigging in Nuapada bypoll, wonders at 91% polling in 41 booths

A day before the counting of votes, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday (November 13, 2025) alleged large-scale rigging in the Nuapada bypoll in Odisha, saying it was beyond imagination that over 8% of votes were cast after polling officially ended at 5 , p.m.and more than 91% polling was recorded in around 41 booths.

Addressing a press conference here, senior BJD leaders pointed out at large scale discrepancies in voting pattern and charged that administration worked over time to ensure victor of Bharatiya Janata Party.

“By 5 p.m. on the polling day, the election officer had officially reported a 75% voter turnout. Later, this figure was revised to 83.5%. While high voter turnout is good for democracy, over 8% votes being added after the polling time ended at 5 p.m. is questionable,” said Atanu Sabyasachi, senior BJD leader.

Moreover, 91% polling was recorded in around 41 booths which suggested large-scale rigging, he alleged.

Despite the party submitting complaints before the Chief Electoral Officer regarding blatant violations of the Model Code of Conduct and several irregularities during the election, no action was taken, Mr. Nayak charged.

Senior General Secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar, and party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty alleged that the BJP manipulated the poll process by misusing official power. They said the claim of a “free and fair election” made by the election authorities had turned into a mockery.

The BJD leaders said respecting the law, all BJD leaders had left Nuapada before the silent period, as no one except voters were allowed to remain in the area. “But several BJP leaders stayed on and influenced voters on polling day,” they alleged.

BJD demanded CCTV footage of booths recording over 90% voting be made available to public. “Only CCTV footage can reveal whether people genuinely cast their votes or manipulation took place,” said Mr. Mohanty.

The regional party, however, exuded confidence that BJD would emerge victorious despite ruling party resorting to misuse of official machinery in Nuapada bypoll.