President, PM condole J.B. Patnaik's death

President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday condoled the death of three-time Odisha chief minister and former Assam governor Janaki Ballabh Patnaik.

Patnaik died at a hospital in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday. He was 89.

In his condolence message to his wife Jayanti Patnaik, the president said: "I am sad to learn about the passing away of Shri J.B. Patnaik, a friend and colleague of long years."

The prime minister, in his message, remembered Patnaik for his contribution to Odisha's development.

"Shri Patnaik will be remembered as a pillar of Odisha politics, a popular leader always connected with people's views and aspirations," Modi said.

Sonia Gandhi, in her message, said: "He remained a Congressman till the end and his absence will be felt in the years to come."

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi also condoled Patnaik's death.

Patnaik had reached Tirupati on Monday to attend the convocation of the Tirupati Rashtriya Sanskrit University as the chief guest. He was the university's chancellor.

Patnaik, a veteran Congress leader, is survived by his wife, son Pruthvi Ballav Patnaik and two daughters -- Sudatta Patnaik and Supriya Patnaik.