Odisha BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia passes away at 68; was suffering from kidney-related ailments

NEW DELHI: Senior BJD leader and four-time legislator Rajendra Dholakia passed away at a Chennai hospital on Monday following kidney-related ailments. He was 68.Dholakia, who represented the Nuapada assembly constituency, was elected in 2004, 2009, 2019, and again in 2024.

He also served as a minister in the Naveen Patnaik-led cabinet between 2022 and 2024.In the 2024 assembly polls, he secured victory from Nuapada with a margin of 10,881 votes. His demise brings down the BJD’s strength in the state assembly to 50.Condolences poured in from leaders across party lines, remembering him as a dedicated public representative.Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in a post on X, said, "Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of MLA and former minister Rajendra Dholakia.

I convey my condolences to the bereaved family and pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for the peaceful soul of the departed. Om Shanti." BJD president and Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Naveen Patnaik, said, "I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Rajendra Dholakia, a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal, MLA and a former minister." The BJD president said, "He was always at the forefront in strengthening the party's organisation as well as raising his voice for the rights of the people.

His demise is an irreparable loss for the party. His work in public service will always remain memorable. Along with praying for the eternal peace of his immortal soul, I convey my condolences to the bereaved family members." Deputy chief ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida also offered their condolences on Dholakia’s passing.Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das expressed grief over the demise, while the party observed a one-minute silence during a press conference as a mark of respect to the departed leader.(With inputs from agencies)