Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and sitting Nuapada MLA Rajendra Dholakia passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai. He was 69.

Dholakia began his political career as an independent candidate and was first elected to the Odisha Assembly in 2004. He later joined the BJD and won three more terms in 2009, 2019, and most recently in 2024. Over the years, he emerged as one of the party’s key tribal leaders from western Odisha.

Role In Government And Social Initiatives

During Naveen Patnaik’s government, Dholakia served as Minister of Planning and Coordination. He was also known for his grassroots initiatives in Nuapada, including promoting social welfare measures such as community weddings and programmes aimed at improving rural livelihoods.

Last Rites And Homage

According to sources, Dholakia’s mortal remains will be flown to Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. Arrangements have been made to place his body at the Odisha Legislative Assembly so that leaders, colleagues, and the public can pay their last respects.

In a post on X, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his grief at the passing of Dholakia. "Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of the new 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," he wrote.

Deputy CM KV Singhdeo also expressed his grief on X writing, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Rajendra Dholakia Ji, former Minister and four-time MLA from Nuapada. A towering figure in Odisha's public life, his legacy is defined by unwavering service, grassroots leadership, and a profound commitment to the people of western Odisha.

I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant his noble soul eternal peace and place at His divine feet. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the people of Nuapada."

Widely respected in his constituency, Dholakia was regarded as a committed advocate for tribal rights and rural development. His passing marks the end of an important chapter in Nuapada’s political representation, leaving behind a legacy of nearly two decades in public service. Further, his transition from a social servant to a political figure is one of Odisha's unique public legislation chapters.