Odisha Mourns Passing of First BJP MLA Prasanna Patanayak

Bhubaneswar, May 30 (PTI) - Odisha's political landscape mourns the loss of Prasanna Patanayak, the state's first BJP MLA, who passed away on Friday at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, as reported by family sources. Patanayak, aged 76, leaves behind his wife and two daughters. He had been admitted to the hospital on Thursday when his health condition deteriorated.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with BJP Odisha unit president Manmohan Samal, various ministers, and MLAs, have expressed their sorrow over the passing of the pioneering leader. The chief minister shared his condolences on X, saying, "I am deeply saddened and shocked over the passing of Prasanna Patanayak, a hardworking leader of Odisha politics and the first BJP MLA from the state. His contribution in the fields of education, social service, and politics, and his immense contribution to strengthening the organization of our party will always be remembered. His passing away is an irreparable loss to the state. My deepest condolences to the departed soul. May Lord Jagannath rest his immortal soul in peace."

Patanayak was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly three times, in 1977, 1985, and 1990, representing the Kamakshyanagar segment in Dhenkanal district. He first secured a seat in 1977 under the Janata Party banner.

Making history in 1985, Patanayak switched allegiance to the BJP, becoming the first candidate from the party to win an assembly seat in Odisha. Subsequently, in 1990, he joined Biju Patnaik's Janata Dal and won the assembly seat for the third time.

In 2014, Patanayak made a notable return to the BJP and was recognized for his unwavering contributions. His body was taken to the state BJP headquarters where leaders and citizens from various backgrounds paid their respects. His last rites are scheduled to be conducted at Swargadwar in Puri, as confirmed by party sources.

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