Nuapada bypoll twist: BJD veteran Lambodar Nial meets Jay Dholakia, sparks BJP switch buzz

Nuapada is witnessing another significant political development after BJP candidate Jay Dholakia opened his home to prominent party leaders, including senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Lambodar Nial, on Thursday morning.

The appearance of Nial at the key gathering at Dholakia’s residence sparked major buzz of another high-profile and prominent BJD leader making the switch to the BJP.

Key Meetings at Dholakia Residence

Sources confirmed that Dholakia held a detailed discussion with local BJP leaders and party workers, coordinating strategies for the forthcoming campaign. However, Lambodar Nial was also spotted at his residence around this time.

The meeting reportedly aimed to integrate supporters from other political quarters. Sources reported that this move may encourage BJD and Congress leaders to consider joining the BJP ranks in the presence of senior state leadership.

Jay Dholakia Confirms Meeting Lambodar Nial

In an interaction with OTV, BJP Nuapada candidate Jay Dholakia confirmed that he had met BJD’s Lambodar Nial at his residence. However, he asserted that no political matters were discussed and that they simply had breakfast owing to ‘familial ties.’

"Lombudar Nial was a close associate of my late father, Rajendra Dholakia, and is like a family member to us. Yesterday, the BJP nominated me as their Nuapada bypoll candidate, and to congratulate me, Nial was here to have breakfast with me. We do not discuss political matters over food,” he said.

During that interaction, Dholakia referred to Nial as a former BJD member, sparking speculations that the latter may join the BJP. However, he immediately dismissed those claims as a slip of the tongue.

“Nial 'was' an influential BJD leader, and I am sure he will be supportive of me,” Dholakia said before correcting himself.

ALSO READ: Naveen Patnaik announces Snehangini Chhuria as BJD candidate for Nuapada by-election

BJP’s Grand Rally and Campaign Preparations

As per reports, the BJP is planning a major rally at Gotma Airstrip today to officially energise its campaign in Nuapada.

The event will be attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, state BJP president Manmohan Samal, Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo, party in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar, along with ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior party leaders.