Bhubaneswar: The ruling BJP in Odisha Wednesday nominated Jay Dholakia as its candidate for Nuapada assembly bypoll, voting for which will be held along with the second phase of Bihar polls November 11.
Dholakia, son of former BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, joined the BJP October 11. He is scheduled to file his nomination papers as a BJP candidate Thursday, party sources said.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other senior leaders of the saffron party will remain present when Dholakia files his papers.
The party has also planned a massive rally at Nuapada before Dholakia files his papers, they said.
The bypoll was necessitated following the demise of Rajendra Dholakia, a four-time MLA, September 8. His son was initially tipped to be the BJD’s candidate.
The BJP, whose candidate Abhinandan Panda finished third in the 2024 Assembly polls, this time aspires to win the seat by banking on the sympathy wave in favour of Dholakia.
Opposition Congress has named Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate, who is set to file his nomination papers on October 19. The BJD is yet to announce the name of its candidate.
Also Read: Ahead of Nuapada bypoll, late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia’s son Jay Dholakia joins BJP
Meanwhile, at Naveen Niwas, the residence of Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik, senior BJD leaders Tuesday held discussions over the party’s candidate selection. Leaders, including Bobby Das, Snehangini Chhuria, and Tukuni Sahu were present, along with hopeful candidate Manoj Mishra.
The Election Commission of India Monday issued the gazette notification for the Nuapada Assembly by-election, outlining the poll schedule. The seat fell vacant following the death of sitting MLA Rajendra Dholakia September 8.
The nomination process began Monday. Candidates may file nominations until October 20. Scrutiny will take place October 22, and withdrawals will be accepted until October 24.
The by-election for the Nuapada Assembly seat is scheduled for November 11, with counting of votes November 14.
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