Senior BJD leader and four-time Nuapada MLA Rajendra Dholakia passed away on Monday in a private hospital in Chennai. He was 68 and had been battling kidney-related ailments.
According to sources, Dholakia was undergoing treatment for kidney complications and had also recently undergone a heart transplant. Despite medical efforts, his condition deteriorated, leading to his demise.
Born on 20 November 1956, Dholakia began his political journey as an independent candidate, winning the Nuapada Assembly seat in 2004. He later joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and went on to secure four terms as MLA, including his recent victory in the 2024 Assembly elections. Between June 2022 and June 2024, he also served as Minister of State for Planning & Convergence in the Naveen Patnaik-led cabinet.
His passing has left a deep void in Odisha politics, particularly in western Odisha where he was regarded as a strong voice for tribal and rural communities.
Political leaders across party lines expressed grief. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, “Odisha has lost a dedicated leader who always prioritized people’s welfare.” Former CM and BJD president Naveen Patnaik remembered him as “a committed leader who worked tirelessly for the people of Nuapada and for Odisha’s development.” Deputy CMs K.V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida also paid tributes, highlighting his contributions to the state.
His mortal remains will be flown to Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, September 9, where they will be kept at the Odisha Legislative Assembly for public homage before being taken to his native constituency.
Rajendra Dholakia is survived by his family and a legacy of nearly two decades of public service.
My name is Vijay Kumar. I work as content writer and founder of this website. I am studying BSC IT. I has been writing content since 2022. I also learn about journalism.