Nuapada, Sept 9: The mortal remains of Rajendra Dholakia, the esteemed MLA from Nuapada, will be brought back to his birthplace in Odisha today. After reaching his residence on Khariad Road in Nuapada district, the final rites will be performed at the Khariar Road crematorium, the MLA's native place.

A wave of sorrow has gripped the Nuapada district following the tragic demise of Dholakia. The four-time MLA passed away yesterday at a hospital in Chennai, where he had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged kidney ailment.

Dholakia had been battling kidney disease for an extended period. A prominent figure in the state’s political landscape, he previously served as a minister. He triumphed in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections, securing 61,822 votes while contesting on a BJD ticket.

Dholakia's political career spanned multiple terms as an MLA. He served from 2004 to 2009 as an independent candidate, later representing Nuapada from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2019 to 2024, both times as a BJD candidate.