Nuapada: In a touching scene that transcended political lines, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) veteran Shri Anang Uday Singh Deo today visited the residence of his late friend and party colleague, Rajendra Dholakia, to offer his condolences.
He was greeted at the Nuapada home by Shrimati Kalpana Dholakia, the bereaved wife, whose eyes were filled with tears as she grappled with the recent loss of her husband.
Shri Singh Deo, who had been out of state at the time of Shri Dholakia’s passing, made it a point to travel to Nuapada to pay his respects in person.
The meeting was a poignant moment, a testament to the deep bond shared by the two leaders. Both Shri Singh Deo and Late Dholakia shared a common journey within the regional political party, BJD, and their friendship was built on years of shared struggles and triumphs.
Shri Dholakia, a formidable voice for the people of western Odisha, had a remarkable career of public service. His journey began as the Nuapada NAC chairman in 1993, and he was first elected as an MLA from Nuapada in 2004 as an independent candidate.
He later joined the BJD, where his contributions were invaluable. He was elected as an MLA on a BJD ticket in 2009, 2019, and again in 2024. During his third term, he briefly held the portfolio of Planning and Convergence Minister, leaving a lasting impact.
The gathering at the Dholakia residence was not just a formality but a heartfelt tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the welfare of his people.
As Shri Singh Deo offered his condolences to Shrimati Kalpana Dholakia, the silence in the room spoke volumes about the profound loss of a friend, a leader, and a family man.
The meeting was a powerful reminder that beyond the world of politics, personal bonds and shared history endure, and that a life of service leaves behind a legacy of respect and love.