Argus News - Jay Dholakia to Take Oath as Nuapada MLA Today

Bhubaneswar, Nov 20: Newly elected BJP legislator Jay Dholakia, who emerged victorious in the Nuapada by-election, will take oath of office and secrecy Thursday at the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

The ceremony will be administered by Speaker Surama Padhy ahead of the upcoming winter session of the Assembly. Dholakia’s swearing-in marks his formal entry into the legislative process, enabling him to participate in debates and discussions during the winter session.

His victory in Nuapada has strengthened the BJP’s presence in the Assembly, and his induction is being seen as a significant moment for the party in western Odisha.

The oath-taking ceremony will be attended by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling along with several other legislators. The event is expected to be a symbolic occasion showcasing the party’s growing influence and the importance of Nuapada constituency in state politics.

Also read: CM Majhi Charts 8-Point Agenda for SPs, Vows Naxal-Free Odisha by 2026

Reactions after Bypoll Victory

In his post-election remarks, Dholakia described the outcome not as a personal triumph, but as a collective victory. “This win belongs to the people of Nuapada, the organisation, and the leadership that has worked tirelessly for development,” Dholakia said.

“This is the victory of the double-engine government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of party workers at every level — district, state, and national.

CM Majhi, celebrating the win, described it as a “clear mandate in favour of development and people’s welfare.” Taking to his X handle, Odisha CM said the result reflects the people’s trust in the BJP government’s policies and rejection of opposition smear campaigns.

Nuapada Bypoll Results

Going by the Election commission of India (ECI) data, Jay Dholakia secured 1,23,869 votes, having a victory margin of 83,748 votes. Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi and BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria completed the podium with second and third positions, respectively.

Ghasiram Majhi bagged 40,121 votes, while Snehangini Chhuria managed only 38,408 votes — 85,461 votes less than Jay Dholakia.

Independent candidates — nine — secured 7,290 votes with Lochan Singh Majhi being the highest vote-getter — 2,137 votes. Among others, Samajwadi Party candidate Ramakanta Hati and Odisha Janata Party’s Sukdhar Dandasena bagged 489 and 167 votes, respectively. As many as 2,248 votes have been registered as NOTA (None of the Above).