Odisha Nuapada bypolls: BJD holds ‘secret meet’ amid buzz over Jay Dholakia’s BJP switch

The political atmosphere in Nuapada has turned electric ahead of the by-election, after reports of Jay Dholakia, son of late four-time BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reportedly triggered an alarm among senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders.

Sources said the senior BJD leaders on Saturday organised a meeting secretly at a hotel on Khariar Road. The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including Niranjan Pujari, Adhiraj Panigrahi, and Snehangini Chhuria, alongside the district president and several senior leaders.

According to reports, the meeting was convened within hours of a viral campaign poster that depicted Jay Dholakia as a BJP candidate for the upcoming Nuapada by-election scheduled for November 11.

“We are not concerned with who is joining which party. Our organisation remains strong and united under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik and the ideals of Biju Babu,” said Abani Ranjan Joshi, Nuapada district BJD president, confirming the meeting but downplaying the speculation.

BJD’s Late-Night Talks, Morning Shock

Sources said the party had held discussions with Jay Dholakia late last night, expecting him to reaffirm loyalty to the party. However, by morning, rumours of his induction into the BJP had gained ground, leaving senior leaders surprised.

“He (Jay Dholakia) was with us in our meeting last night and was expected to attend again this morning. Only he can answer why he did not turn up. The BJD remains a people’s party and will continue its work,” said Debi Mishra, senior BJD leader.

Meanwhile, BJP circles have welcomed the possibility of Dholakia’s entry, describing it as a turning point for the district’s political balance.

“The people of Nuapada are now looking to the BJP for clean and transparent governance. Several aspirants are likely to join us, but Jay Dholakia is certainly among the front-runners,” said Rabi Narayan Behera, BJP MP from Jajpur, adding that the BJP will win despite Naveen Patnaik contesting the bypolls himself.

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Dholakia Rally Without Party Flag Adds to Suspense

Adding to the day’s intrigue, a massive rally of Jay Dholakia’s supporters was held in Khariar Road, where participants refrained from carrying any political flags, instead raising slogans in support of the Dholakia family.

The apolitical tone of the rally has further deepened speculation that Jay may soon make a public announcement on his political future.