Nuapada, Nov. 11 -- BJP leader Basanta Kumar Panda cast his vote in Nuapada, Odisha, on Tuesday and urged people to participate in large numbers.

Panda described voting as a "festival of democracy" and said he voted for good governance, welfare, peace, and capable leadership.

Speaking to ANI, Basanta Kumar Panda said, "As a responsible citizen, I cast my vote very carefully. I voted for service, good governance, welfare of the poor and peace in society and for national building. I voted for a capable candidate. I urge the people to vote in large numbers and cast their valuable vote. This is the festival of democracy..."

The bypoll in Nuapada was necessitated following the vacancy in the Assembly seat after the passing away of BJD's Raj...