Nuapada bypoll: Jay Dholakia hits back at Naveen Patnaik, accuses BJD chief of opportunism

A day after Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during his campaign in Nuapada, BJP candidate Jay Dholakia issued a sharp rebuttal, accusing the former Chief Minister of showing up in the district only for electoral gain while ignoring his family during their time of grief.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Jay Dholakia, the BJP’s nominee and son of late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, accused Naveen Patnaik of hypocrisy and insensitivity.

“He (Naveen) had such close relations with my father that I considered him a father figure. When my father was unwell and fighting for life and death, none of them came to visit him. Even after his death, they did not attend the funeral to offer their respects. Now, just a month later, they are all rushing to Nuapada for election campaigns,” Dholakia said.

In his remarks, Jay alleged that Patnaik had never visited the family when his father was admitted to a medical facility, despite the late MLA’s long-standing service to the BJD. He added, “My father gave his hundred percent to that party (BJD), but they did not offer him even one percent of that dedication back.”

The BJP candidate said that the people of Nuapada had seen through what he called the “emotional strategy” of the BJD leadership. “The people understand everything,” he remarked, asserting that the bypoll was an opportunity for voters to respond to what he described as “political neglect and selective empathy.”

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Naveen Patnaik's Attack on BJP, Jay Dholakia

On Sunday, Naveen Patnaik led a high-profile rally in Nuapada, targeting both the BJP government in Odisha and the defection of Jay Dholakia from the BJD. Addressing a massive crowd, the Opposition leader accused the BJP of “betraying the trust” of the people and halting all developmental projects initiated during his government’s tenure.

“Whenever I come to Nuapada, I am reminded of Biju Babu, who founded this district. During our government’s tenure, I approved every proposal brought forward by Raju Babu (late MLA Rajendra Dholakia) for its development,” Patnaik said.

In a direct swipe at Jay, Patnaik alleged that the BJP had “stolen candidates” from his party and questioned the integrity of those switching sides ahead of the bypoll. “The people know who has served them sincerely,” he told the gathering.

Patnaik further accused the ruling BJP of abandoning welfare promises, asking the crowd, “Is anyone here getting 300 units of free electricity? Are senior citizens receiving Rs 3,500 as a pension? Has any farmer received urea fertiliser?”

The BJD chief concluded his speech by urging voters to back BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria, saying, “She is deeply connected to the soil of Nuapada. Bless her with your votes, and we will take your fight forward on November 11.”

As of the last reports, BJD has yet to respond to the opportunism allegations levied by Jay Dholakia.