Nuapada, Oct 6: Following the demise of four-time MLA Rajendra Dholakia, the Nuapada Assembly seat in Odisha has fallen vacant, paving the way for an upcoming by-election.

Dholakia, aged 69, passed away on September 8 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai. His death marks the end of a long and impactful political journey that began in 1990.

Born on November 20, 1956, to Rasiklal and Kalpana Dholakia, Rajendra Dholakia entered politics as a councillor and later became chairman of Khariar Road NAC. He was first elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2004 as an independent candidate. Subsequently, he won three more terms from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in 2009, 2019, and 2024, representing the Nuapada constituency.

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During his tenure, Dholakia served as the Minister of Planning and Coordination in the BJD government and was known for his grassroots connect and social service initiatives.

Despite battling health issues in recent years, Dholakia remained active in public service. He underwent a heart transplant a week before his passing, but complications led to his demise. His death has left a void in Nuapada’s political landscape, and preparations for the bypoll are expected to begin soon.

The Election Commission is likely to announce the schedule for the by-election in the coming weeks. Political parties are gearing up to contest the seat, which holds strategic importance in western Odisha.