Jay Dholakia Joins BJP Ahead of Nuapada By-Poll

Bhubaneswar: In a major political development ahead of the Nuapada by-election, Jay Dholakia, son of former BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday.

Dholakia formally joined the saffron party in the presence of senior BJP leaders, including State President Manmohan Samal, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo. His induction into the party has put an end to weeks of speculation regarding his political future.

Political observers believe Dholakia’s entry will bolster the BJP’s position in Nuapada, a key constituency where the party is yet to announce its candidate. The Congress has already declared Ghasiram Majhi as its nominee for the by-election, while the ruling BJD is still finalising its candidate.

With Dholakia’s inclusion, the BJP aims to strengthen its foothold in western Odisha and enhance its prospects in the upcoming by-poll.