‘BJD mistreated Dholakia family’: BJP’s Sambit Patra launches scathing attack

The BJP has strongly condemned BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik’s recent remarks, labelling their candidate as a 'traitor' and the ruling party as 'candidate thief'.

Speaking at a press meet attended by late Rajendra Dholakia's wife, Kalpana Dholakia, BJP MP Sambit Patra launched a scathing attack on the BJD, accusing the party of mistreating the Dholakia family.

According to Patra, Naveen’s comments deeply hurt the family. He accused the BJD of treating Raju Dholakia as a mere political commodity. He stated that objects can be stolen, but not people.

Patra recounted that Rajendra Dholakia had been hospitalised since June due to heart and kidney ailments. He underwent a heart transplant in Chennai, and his son Jay had even volunteered to donate a kidney. However, Rajendra's condition deteriorated within three days, making the procedure impossible.

Despite his prolonged illness, no BJD leader visited or even called the family during the three months of hospitalisation, Patra alleged. After Raju Dholakia’s demise, funds were reportedly collected to bring his mortal remains to Nuapada by air ambulance, with BJD leaders promising to cover the expenses — a promise that remains unfulfilled.

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Patra alleged that for such a big party, providing Rs 10-12 lakh was not impossible, yet they failed to do so. He further criticised the BJD for using the party symbol at Raju Dholakia’s condolence meeting to gain political mileage.

Patra also stated that the family decided not to stay with the BJD any longer from that day.

"Jay Dholakia's kidney matched with the kidney of his father, Raju Dholakia. It was decided that Jay Dholakia would donate his kidney to his father. However, the heart, which had to be functional within three days, could not work properly. There was also an infection in the lungs. None of the BJD leaders visited him during the period of hospitalisation. They also didn't even call him," said Sambit Patra.

"He (Rajendra Dholakia) gave his entire life for the party (BJD). However, nobody came to visit him during his illness. I am deeply worried for this reason," said Jay Dholakia's uncle, Atul Dholakia.

As of now, the BJD has not issued any official response to the allegations.