Bhubaneswar: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and Rourkela MLA, Sarada Prasad Nayak, has announced that he will not contest the 2029 Odisha Assembly elections, citing health-related reasons.

Announcing on Thursday, Nayak said that his health condition had prompted him to stay away from the electoral contest.

However, he clarified that his decision not to contest the elections should not be construed as his retirement from active politics. He said he would continue to remain associated with the party and discharge any responsibility entrusted to him by the BJD leadership with sincerity and commitment.

Nayak also stressed the need to provide greater opportunities to younger leaders and new faces in politics, indicating that it was time for the next generation to come forward and take on greater responsibilities.

His announcement has sparked political discussions in Rourkela over the BJD's possible choice of candidate for the 2029 Assembly elections. Speculation is also growing over whether the party will give an opportunity to a younger leader to replace the senior legislator.