Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to announce Jay Dholakia, son of late BJD leader and former Odisha Minister Rajendra Dholakia, as its candidate for the upcoming Nuapada Assembly by-election, informed Senior BJP MP Sujeet Kumar on Tuesday.

Speaking to media persons here, the BJP MP said that the party may announce his name as its candidate by Tuesday evening. He also added that the nominations will be filed by Dholakia on October 16.

Grand Nomination and Joining Event on October 16

Dholakia is slated to file his nomination on October 16, coinciding with a massive rally and joining programme in Nuapada. According to Kumar, over 2,000 leaders and workers from the BJD and Congress are expected to join the BJP during the event, expressing their support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The rally is anticipated to draw more than 40,000 BJP supporters and will be attended by top party leaders including CM Majhi and Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal.

Internal Unity and Election Strategy

Addressing concerns about internal dissent over Dholakia’s candidature, Kumar dismissed any reports of discontent, asserting that the party remains united and focused on victory. He expressed confidence that the BJP would win the bypoll by a margin exceeding 50,000 votes.

Also Read: Fresh Jolt To BJD As Key Leaders Quit Party Ahead Of Nuapada Bypoll

Election Timeline

The Nuapada Assembly seat fell vacant following the death of Rajendra Dholakia on September 8. The Election Commission of India issued the gazette notification on October 13. Nominations are open until October 20, with scrutiny scheduled for October 22 and withdrawal deadline on October 24. Voting will take place on November 11, and counting will be held on November 14.

Meanwhile, the Congress has announced veteran tribal leader Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate, while the BJD is yet to declare its nominee.