Nuapada bypoll: Jay Dholakia set to be BJP’s candidate; CM Majhi to join nomination rally on Oct 16

BJP MP Sujit Kumar on Tuesday confirmed that Jay Dholakia, son of late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, has been finalised as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate for the upcoming Nuapada by-election.

The official announcement is expected later this evening, ahead of the nomination filing scheduled for October 16 in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, informed Kumar.

CM’s Visit and Mass Joining on Nomination Day

Sujit Kumar said the Chief Minister will visit Nuapada on October 16 to accompany the candidate during the nomination process and address a public rally.

“On October 16, the Chief Minister will visit Nuapada and nominate the BJP’s candidate. The day will also see over 2,000 Congress and BJD workers join the BJP. We aim to win with a margin of over 50,000 votes,” Sujit Kumar said.

The BJP has planned a massive show of strength during the event, with thousands of party workers expected to participate. 

According to Sujit Kumar, the decision to field Jay Dholakia follows his close association with the late Rajendra Dholakia’s developmental initiatives in the region.

Dholakia’s Candidacy Seen as Continuation of Legacy

The BJP leader added that Jay Dholakia’s entry marks a continuation of his father’s political and social legacy in Nuapada.

“I have worked extensively with the late Rajendra Dholakia, and now his son Jay Dholakia will continue his exemplary work with the BJP. People will elect Jay Dholakia with huge numbers,” Sujit Kumar said.

Sources indicated that Jay Dholakia’s nomination reflects the BJP’s attempt to strengthen its hold in western Odisha by inducting influential local figures.

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From BJD Scion to BJP Face

Jay Dholakia had formally joined the BJP earlier this week in Bhubaneswar, in a grand ceremony attended by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Deputy CM K V Singh Deo and Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal. The induction, seen as a major political shift, was celebrated with a large procession of supporters.

In his speech, CM Majhi had said, “Today is a day for celebration because late Rajendra Dholakia’s son Jay Dholakia has joined our party. He was impressed by our governance and the way we serve the people.”