Overview

• Jay Dholakia, son of four-time Nuapada MLA Rajendra Dholakia, formally joined the BJP at the state headquarters in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and state BJP president Manmohan Samal.
• BJP sources say he is likely to be the party’s candidate for the November 11 by-election triggered by his father’s death.
• The move compels the BJD to revisit its plan after leaders had signaled the family would receive the party ticket for the seat.
• The Congress has already named Ghasiram Majhi as its nominee, presenting a known tribal face in the border constituency.
• Nuapada’s electoral dynamics include a large tribal electorate and a 2024 result where the BJP finished third, factors the party now hopes to reverse with Dholakia’s induction.