Nuapada MLA Rajendra Dholakia passes away at 69; Odisha CM, other leaders condole demise

Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and sitting Nuapada MLA Rajendra Dholakia passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai. He was 69.

Dholakia began his political career as an independent candidate and was first elected to the Odisha Assembly in 2004. He later joined the BJD and won three more terms in 2009, 2019, and most recently in 2024. Over the years, he emerged as one of the party’s key tribal leaders from western Odisha.

Role In Government And Social Initiatives

During Naveen Patnaik’s government, Dholakia served as Minister of Planning and Coordination. He was also known for his grassroots initiatives in Nuapada, including promoting social welfare measures such as community weddings and programmes aimed at improving rural livelihoods.

Last Rites And Homage

According to sources, Dholakia’s mortal remains will be flown to Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. Arrangements have been made to place his body at the Odisha Legislative Assembly so that leaders, colleagues, and the public can pay their last respects.

In a post on X, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his grief at the passing of Dholakia. "Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of the new MLA and former minister Rajendra Dholakia. I convey my condolences to the bereaved family and pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for the peaceful soul of the departed. Om Shanti," he wrote.

Meanwhile, BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik stated that Dholakia was always at the forefront in strengthening the party's organisation and raising his voice for the rights of the people. In a post on X, he wrote, "His passing is an irreparable loss for the party. His contributions to public service will always remain memorable. I pray for the eternal peace of his departed soul and express my condolences to the bereaved family members."

Deputy CM KV Singhdeo also expressed his grief on X writing, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Rajendra Dholakia Ji, former Minister and four-time MLA from Nuapada. A towering figure in Odisha's public life, his legacy is defined by unwavering service, grassroots leadership, and a profound commitment to the people of western Odisha.

BJP National Vice-President and Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda stated in a post on X that "I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of senior politician, former minister in the Odisha government, and Nuapada MLA, Shri Rajendra Dholakia. I had a personal and political acquaintance with Rajendra Babu. Praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Om Shanti."

I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant his noble soul eternal peace and place at His divine feet. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the people of Nuapada."

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Widely respected in his constituency, Dholakia was regarded as a committed advocate for tribal rights and rural development. His passing marks the end of an important chapter in Nuapada’s political representation, leaving behind a legacy of nearly two decades in public service. Further, his transition from a social servant to a political figure is one of Odisha's unique public legislation chapters.