Nuapada: Following his landslide victory in the by-election, BJP’s Jay Dholakia dedicated his win to the people of Nuapada for reposing faith in him.
Jay, the son of a former Biju Janata Dal leader, secured 1,23,869 votes, around 59% of the total votes cast in the bypoll held on November 11. The Congress bagged the second spot, while the state’s main opposition, BJD, was relegated to the third position.
The BJP wrested the seat from BJD, which was thrice represented by Rajendra Dholakia whose untimely demise necessitated the bypoll. It also reflected the trust of the people of the constituency in the Dholakia family, despite Jay switching sides to BJP.
Speaking to the media, the jubilant Jay expressed gratitude to the party’s national leadership, workers, and supporters. He credited the resounding success to the BJP’s collective effort and public’s faith in the party. “This is the win of BJP, PM Narendra Modi, CM Mohan Majhi and my late father Rajendra Dholkia,” he said.
The newly-elected MLA said that he never expected that he would win the bypoll by a huge margin of 83,748 votes. “This came as a surprise for me. I will never let people or the party down for the faith they have placed in me and will ensure the development of Nuapada,” said Jay, who retained the seat which his father had won four times, but on a BJP ticket.
In 2024 election, Rajendra Dholakia had defeated Ghasiram Majhi, who had then contested as an independent candidate, by a margin of 10,881 votes with BJP’s Abhinandan Panda finishing third.
Jay also spoke about Modi’s leadership and his influence over voters, while referring to the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) massive victory in Bihar Assembly election.
Earlier, CM Majhi had said the victory has ushered in a new chapter in the state’s political landscape. “This victory proves the complete faith and trust of the general public in our government’s policies, ideals, and people-welfare programs. The residents of Nuapada have completely rejected the smear campaigns and false promises of the opposition parties and, by supporting development, have given a clear mandate in favour of the BJP,” he posted on X.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to every citizen of Nuapada while extending hearty congratulations and best wishes to Nuapada’s newly elected MLA, Shri Jay Dholkia,” he added.
Majhi further stated that PM Narendra Modi’s leadership is the sole definition of development.
“Under his ideals and guidance, our government has been working tirelessly day and night for the welfare of Odisha’s residents and the state’s development in the past nearly one-and-a-half years. The support of Nuapada’s residents has given us new inspiration and strength,” he added.