BJP and BJD Claim Victory in Odisha's Nuapada By-Election Amidst Allegations of Irregularities

File photo used for representational purpose.NEW DELHI: Ahead of the counting of votes on today both the ruling BJP and opposition BJD claimed victory in the Nuapada Assembly by-election in Odisha, while the Congress alleged massive irregularities during polling.The bypoll, held recently, recorded a voter turnout of 83.45%.Counting Underway:CandidatesVotesWin/LossSnehangini ChhuriaBJDTrailingJay DholakiaBJPLeadingBJD leaders alleged several violations of the election code of conduct during the Nuapada bypoll. They claimed that the BJP brought additional EVMs from Ganjam district, raising suspicions of possible tampering.The party also accused the ruling party of distributing money and saris to women voters and said police conducted raids on the homes of BJD leaders while deliberately delaying the helicopters of party officials.Additionally, BJD alleged that BJP supporters campaigned inside polling booths during voting, and that government employees involved in the election were acting as agents for the BJP.