Congress leader Mohapatra passes away

Firebrand Congress leader and former Odisha MLA Lalatendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra passed away following multi-organ failure at a private hospital in Gurugram.
Mohapatra, 52, breathed his last late last night, his family said.
Popularly known as Lulu, Mohapatra had been undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital and was on ventilator support.
A three-time Congress MLA, Mohaptra was elected from Brahmagiri Aassembly constituency in Puri district in three consecutive elections held in 1995, 2000 and 2004.
Known as an able organiser and aggressive leader, he was Executive President of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC).
Active in politics since his student days in BJB College here, Mohapatra was the coordinate committee member in OPCC. Earlier, he was also the vice-president of OPCC.

Overwhelming support from youth and student wings of the party was considered his major strength.He had also held a number of important posts in National Students Union of India (NSUI), Odisha since early 80s.

A host of dignitaries including Governor S C Jamir, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, OPCC President Prasad Harichandan, former Union Minister Srikant Jena, former OPCC chief Niranjan Patnaik and senior Congress leaders like Chiranjiv Biswal and Tara Prasad Bahinipati condoled the demise of Mohapatra.
Cutting across party lines, many described him as a dynamic leader and termed his demise as a loss not only for Congress but also for the entire state.

Admirers, followers and supporters of Mohapatra visited his residence mourning his demise here after the news spread.
A pall of gloom also descended on his village Gada Rodanga in Puri district.
His body is being flown in here and the last rites would be performed later, his family added.