BHUBANESWAR, India – Rajendra Dholakia, a senior leader of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party and a three-term member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, has died at the age of 68. Party officials confirmed he passed away on Sunday at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam, where he was receiving treatment for a prolonged kidney-related illness.
Widespread Condolences for a Dedicated Public Servant
Tributes quickly followed the announcement of Dholakia’s death, with condolences coming from across the political landscape of Odisha and the nation. Leaders from various parties remembered him as a dedicated public servant and an effective organizer who was deeply committed to the welfare of his constituents.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his profound grief, describing the passing of Rajendra Dholakia as an “irreparable loss” for both the party and the state. In a statement released by his office, Patnaik said, “He was a dedicated social worker and an efficient organizer. His work for the welfare of the people of his constituency will always be remembered.”
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a prominent national leader from Odisha, also conveyed his condolences. “Saddened to hear about the passing of Nuapada MLA and former minister Shri Rajendra Dholakia,” Pradhan stated, according to the Press Trust of India. “His contribution to the social and political life of Odisha will be remembered.” Leaders from the state’s opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress, joined in mourning the loss of the veteran lawmaker.
A Political Career Focused on Western Odisha
Rajendra Dholakia’s career in Odisha politics spanned over three decades, marked by a strong connection to his roots in the western part of the state. His political journey highlights a deep commitment to regional development.
From Local Politics to State Assembly
Dholakia was first elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2009 from the Nuapada constituency, a region he would go on to represent for three consecutive terms, securing re-election in 2014 and 2019. His consistent electoral success was widely attributed to his reputation as a grassroots leader who remained accessible to his constituents.
During his tenure, he served as the Minister of State for Planning and Convergence in the Odisha government, where he was involved in shaping development policies. Colleagues remember him as a soft-spoken yet effective administrator who tirelessly advocated for the needs of his district, which is one of the more economically challenged areas in the state.
The Path Forward: A By-Election for Nuapada
The death of a sitting BJD MLA creates a political vacuum in the Nuapada constituency. According to India’s electoral laws, a by-election must be held to fill the vacant seat in the State Assembly within six months of it being declared vacant.
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The Election Commission of India will announce the schedule for the by-poll in due course. This election will be a significant test for the Biju Janata Dal’s enduring influence in western Odisha, a region where the BJP has been working to expand its footprint. The selection of candidates by the BJD and opposition parties will be closely watched as an indicator of the evolving political dynamics in the state ahead of future general elections.
Dholakia’s body was transported from Visakhapatnam to his native village in the Nuapada district, where his last rites were performed with state honors. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. His passing leaves a significant void in the political fabric of western Odisha, and his legacy will be defined by his long service to the people of Nuapada.
