Nuapada, 19th Sept 2025: Following the demise of Nuapada MLA Rajendra Dholakia, political activity in the region has intensified ahead of the by-election. Within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), discussions are gaining momentum that Rajendra’s son, Joy Dholakia, will be the party’s candidate.
There is widespread public sympathy for the Dholakia family. In fact, Rajendra Dholakia served as Minister of Planning and Coordination in the BJD government led by then-Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, starting from June 5, 2022, until April 2024—a tenure of nearly two years. During this period, numerous developmental works were carried out across the Nuapada constituency and the district at large.
Even today, the general public and voters continue to remember and miss Rajendra. In this context, many are rallying behind his son Joy as the rightful candidate for the upcoming by-election. Leaders, party workers, and the public have expressed strong sympathy and support for the Dholakia family.
In fact, over the past four years, Rajendra had been actively grooming his son Joy for political life. He had included him in party meetings and committee discussions. In Rajendra’s absence, Joy often represented the family at local events—be it weddings, religious rituals, funerals, or community gatherings—winning people’s trust and affection in the process.
Joy was seen engaging with youth in sports events like cricket, football, and kabaddi tournaments in both rural and urban areas. Following in his father’s footsteps, he dedicated himself to the motto:
“Serving humanity is serving God.”
He participated in mass marriage programs, eye camps, and other community service initiatives, continuing his father’s legacy of social service and philanthropy.
Understanding the values and responsibilities inherited from his father, Joy gradually stepped into politics himself. As a result, people have developed genuine admiration for him. The public respects and accepts Joy because of the virtues and goodwill his father embodied.
Now, with the Nuapada by-election approaching, political temperatures are rising. It is widely speculated that Joy is the frontrunner for BJD’s ticket. Responding to this, Joy said:
> “Whoever the party