Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the by-election in Odisha’s Nuapada Assembly segment, Kalpana Dholakia, wife of late Rajendra Dholakia, lashed out at Biju Janata Dal (BJD) accusing it of ignoring her husband during his illness and showing disrespect to him after his death.
Stressing that four-time MLA Rajendra Dholakia dedicated 24 years of his life to BJD, she lamented that the party did not give him the respect he deserved. “Even during his illness, no BJD leader reached out or showed concern for his condition,” Kalpana Dholakia said in a video message.
Stating that this emotional neglect deeply affected the former Minister and led to his demise, she sought to raise questions about how Naveen Patnaik-led BJD treats long-serving members during personal crises.
Kalpana Dholakia also strongly opposed the use of her family’s name in political campaigns, asserting that such gestures are insensitive and unwelcome.
Refuting allegations that her family switched political allegiance for money, she asserted that all decisions were taken for development and not for personal gain.
Her statement came a day after BJD president Naveen Patnaik’s ‘betrayal’ jibe in his maiden election rally as Leader of Opposition in Nuapada.
Earlier, her son and BJP nominee Jay Dholakia also issued a sharp rebuttal, accusing the former Chief Minister of ignoring his late father Rajendra Dholakia, who was the sitting MLA of the regional party, during his illness.