Nuapada Bypoll twist: BJD in dilemma over candidate after Jay Dholakia joins BJP

The political scenario in Nuapada has undergone a sudden shift, leaving the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) grappling with the challenge of selecting its candidate for the upcoming bypoll. The uncertainty comes after Jay Dholakia, son of BJD leader and former Minister late Rajendra Dholakia, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, dealing a significant setback to the party in the constituency.

Jay Dholakia’s entry into the BJP has effectively secured him as the party’s candidate for Nuapada, forcing the BJD to rethink its electoral strategy. The move has also heightened political speculation and intensified competition in the by-election, which is being closely monitored across the state.

The announcement of the BJD’s candidate, which was earlier expected, was delayed until yesterday, deepening political uncertainty in the region. According to sources, a meeting was convened at BJD president Naveen Patnaik’s residence in Bhubaneswar to deliberate on potential candidates and chalk out the party’s strategy for the upcoming bypoll.

Senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik said the party would announce its candidate very soon. She expressed confidence that whoever is chosen will enjoy broad support from voters and has a strong chance of winning.

With political observers and local residents eagerly awaiting the party’s decision, the upcoming announcement is expected to set the tone for the Nuapada by-election, making it a high-stakes contest that could influence the broader political dynamics in the region.

Notably, the official notification for the Nuapada bypoll will be issued on October 13, while the deadline for filing nominations is October 20. Scrutiny of papers will be conducted on October 22, and the last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 24. 

While the poll is scheduled on November 11, the counting of votes for the by-election will be held on November 14. 

Also Read: Jay Dholakia, son of Late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, joins BJP

The bypoll was necessitated due to the death of sitting Biju Janata Dal MLA Rajendra Dholakia, a former Minister and four-time legislator from Nuapada.