Overview
- Jay Dholakia secured 123,869 votes to win by 83,748, with Congress’ Ghasi Ram Majhi at 40,121 and BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria at 38,408.
- The bypoll saw 83.45% turnout, reported as the highest among eight by-elections nationwide, with 14 candidates voting on 11 November.
- BJD leaders and the Congress candidate alleged misuse of government machinery and heavy use of money, claims not adjudicated by authorities.
- Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who campaigned extensively, thanked voters and framed the outcome as an endorsement of development.
- The seat fell vacant after the death of four-term BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, whose son Jay contested after joining the BJP.