Bhubaneswar, Oct. 26 -- With campaigns peaking ahead of the Nuapada Assembly by-election, political exchanges have turned intense between leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

While campaigning for BJP candidate Jay Dholakia, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida launched a sharp attack on the BJD for fielding what she described as an "outsider" candidate, triggering a strong response from BJD MP Sulata Deo.

Addressing a gathering during her election campaign on Saturday, Parida questioned the BJD's decision to field Snehangini Chhuria from Nuapada, alleging that the ruling party had to "import" a candidate due to a lack of local leadership.

"The BJD couldn't find a candidate from Nuapada itse...