Demise in Chennai Hospital

Nuapada MLA and senior politician Rajendra Dholakiya breathed his last today at a private hospital in Chennai. The 68-year-old leader, who had been under specialised treatment for the past few days, succumbed to illness in the early hours. His death leaves behind a grieving family, a loyal constituency, and a state that recognised him as a committed public representative.

Shockwaves Across Nuapada and Odisha

The news of his demise has sent shockwaves not only across Nuapada but also throughout Odisha. Dholakiya was widely regarded as a bridge between grassroots politics and state governance. Tributes have poured in from across party lines, reflecting the respect he commanded in the state’s volatile political landscape.

Chief Minister’s Condolence

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the veteran MLA. In his condolence message from Bhubaneswar, Majhi said:
“I am saddened to hear of the death of Nuapada MLA and former Minister Rajendra Dholakiya. His works will never be forgotten in the development of Nuapada and Odisha. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and pray to Lord Jagannath for the eternal peace of his soul.”
Majhi’s statement highlighted the cross-party admiration Dholakiya enjoyed throughout his political journey.

Political Journey: From Independent to Cabinet Minister

Dholakiya’s political career was marked by resilience and strong grassroots connect. He first entered the Odisha Assembly in 2004 as an independent candidate, defeating seasoned contenders in Nuapada, a constituency plagued by tribal underdevelopment and agrarian challenges. His focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and local governance quickly earned him a reputation as a people’s leader.

By 2009, he had joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership. Riding the party’s popularity, he secured re-election and strengthened his political base.

Electoral Ups and Downs

His career witnessed setbacks as well. In 2014, during the BJP’s nationwide surge, Dholakiya lost to senior BJP leader Basant Panda. However, his determination saw him bounce back in 2019, when he reclaimed the Nuapada seat on a BJD ticket with a comfortable margin.

Following his victory, he was inducted into the state cabinet as Minister of Planning and Coordination, where he played a key role in streamlining flagship schemes such as the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana and rural electrification programmes.

Recent Success and Unfulfilled Future

In 2024, Dholakiya once again retained the Nuapada seat, consolidating his status as the voice of the region in the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly. His passing at this juncture is seen as a great loss, particularly as Nuapada is navigating between traditional agrarian struggles and new industrial aspirations.

Mourning in Nuapada

The atmosphere in Nuapada and its villages is one of grief. Residents recall his personal interventions in their lives and development initiatives that touched almost every household. For many, Dholakiya was not just a politician but a guiding figure who understood the pulse of the region.

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