Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik stepped into the political spotlight on Monday as he addressed a massive election rally at Tarabod’s Dhanmandi Ground in Komna block, seeking support for party candidate Snehangini Chhuria in the Nuapada by-election.

With stakes high in this battle of prestige and legacy, five-time chief minister, who usually skipped campaigning during bypolls, launched a blistering attack on the ruling BJP, which he alleged had “stolen votes to form the government and is now stealing candidates.” ADVERTISEMENT

The BJD fielded two-time Attabira MLA Churia from the seat after its probable candidate Jay Dholakia joined the BJP within weeks of his father and sitting BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia’s death, which necessitated the bypoll.

“This is a betr

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