Bhubaneswar, October 11: In a significant political development ahead of the Nuapada Assembly by-election, Jay Dholakia, the son of late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday. The by-election for Nuapada is scheduled to take place on November 11, and Jay's decision to join the BJP marks a pivotal moment in Odisha's political landscape.
Jay was formally inducted into the saffron party at the BJP office in Bhubaneswar, in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, and state BJP president Manmohan Samal.
This development is seen as a significant blow to the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) with the by-election fast approaching. Jay Dholakia is now expected to be the BJP’s candidate for the seat previously held by his father, further altering the political dynamics of the region.
BJP leaders hailed Jay's move, stating that his entry would strengthen the party’s presence in western Odisha and deepen its grassroots connection. Jay’s decision to switch allegiance is seen as a game-changer, potentially influencing voter sentiment in Nuapada.
Expressing his confidence in the BJP’s leadership, Jay Dholakia pledged to contribute to Odisha’s development and promised to continue his father’s legacy of public service.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi praised Jay’s political shift, emphasizing that his deep-rooted connection with the people of Nuapada would bolster the party’s chances in the by-poll. BJP president Manmohan Samal echoed the praise, calling Jay's entry a strategic win for the party.
The Nuapada by-election is set to coincide with the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections and by-polls in six other constituencies across India on November 11.
While the Congress has already fielded prominent tribal leader Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate, the BJP has yet to make an official announcement. However, Jay Dholakia's induction strongly suggests he will be the party's candidate to reclaim the seat held by his father. The BJD has not yet named its candidate for the by-election.
The by-election was triggered by the untimely passing of Rajendra Dholakia, the sitting MLA for Nuapada, on September 8, during treatment in Chennai.
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