Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday reacted strongly to Jay Dholakia’s joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), calling it a case of “horse trading.” Senior BJD leader Pratap Jena targeted Jay Dholakia, saying he was “sold” to the BJP and that his joining the party would not have any impact on the BJD in the upcoming Nuapada by-election.
Jena also questioned Jay’s loyalty to his adoptive father, the late Rajendra Dholakia, saying that if Rajendra were alive, he would not have liked Jay’s action. “Jay Dholakia was sold in horse trading. Even if Jay joins BJP, it will not have any impact on Nuapada. He was a foster son, Raju Bhai’s blood does not flow in him,” Jena said.
The BJD leader further alleged that the BJP, not having a strong candidate in Nuapada, has resorted to buying leaders from other parties. “The people of Nuapada are watching everything, and they will give a befitting reply at the appropriate time,” Jena warned.
