Jay Dholakia, the newly elected MLA from Nuapada, was administered the oath of office today by Assembly Speaker Surma Padhi in her chamber.
Dholakia, who was entering the Assembly for the first time as a legislator, was accompanied by his mother, wife, and two daughters for the swearing-in ceremony.
The seat was necessitated by the passing of the then BJD MLA, Rajendra Dholakia, on September 8. Rajendra’s son, Jay, subsequently joined the BJP and contested the by-election.
Jay Dholakia secured a landslide victory, defeating Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi by a record margin of 83,748 votes. Dholakia garnered 1,23,869 votes, while Majhi received 40,121 votes. BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria came third with 38,408 votes.