Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and council of ministers expressed their profound grief over the demise of former Speaker and veteran BJD leader Maheswar Mohanty.
Mohanty breathed his last in the wee hours of Tuesday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
In a condolence message, describing the former Speaker as an efficient MLA, active minister and popular political leader, the Governor expressed his grief and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family members, close relatives and followers.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Maheswar Mohanty had earned fame as a popular leader and a good organiser. He played an important role in the development of the state as a MLA and also as a Minister. His role in the development of the Puri region will keep him alive in the memory of the people, Patnaik said.
As Speaker, the Chief Minister said, Mohanty has contributed to the establishment of high democratic and parliamentary traditions, adding that his demise is a great loss for Odisha. Praying for the salvation of the departed soul, Patnaik expressed his sympathies to the bereaved family members.
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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a condolence message, said he was very sad to learn about the demise of former Speaker Maheswar Mohanty.
Pradhan said he had a very close personal relation with him and received the Utkal Mani Gopabandhu Pratima Award 2003 from him in 2004.
Describing Mohanty as a very astute politician in state politics, the union minister said he would be remembered by the people of Puri for serving them for a long period and for his organisational skills.
Many ministers in the state also expressed their grief over the demise and expressed their sympathies to the bereaved family members.
UNI