Bhubaneswar: In a major political development ahead of Nuapada Assembly by-election in Odisha, Jay Dholakia, son of late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday.
Jay joined the saffron party in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, and state BJP president Manmohan Samal at the party office in Bhubaneswar.
The development comes as a major setback for the opposition Biju Janata Dal, especially with the Nuapada by-election approaching. Jay Dholakia is now widely expected to become the BJP’s candidate for the seat once held by his father.
Party leaders welcomed Jay’s entry, calling it a boost to the BJP’s grassroots presence in western Odisha. His decision to switch parties signals a shift in local political dynamics and could influence voter sentiment in Nuapada.
Expressing confidence in the BJP’s leadership and vision for Odisha, Jay Dholakia affirmed his commitment to development and vowed to carry forward his father’s legacy in public service.
CM Mohan Majhi praised Jay’s decision, stating that his experience and connection with the people of Nuapada would strengthen the party’s prospects. Manmohan Samal echoed the sentiment, calling Jay’s entry a strategic victory for the BJP.
The Nuapada by-election is scheduled to be held on November 11, coinciding with the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections and bypolls to six other Assembly constituencies across the country.
While the Congress has already named prominent tribal leader Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate, the BJP is yet to officially announce its nominee. However, Jay’s entry is widely seen as a strong indication that he may be fielded by BJP to reclaim the seat once held by his father. BJD is yet to announce its candidate for the by-election.
The by-election in Nuapada was necessitated following the demise of sitting MLA Rajendra Dholakia on September 8 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Chennai.