Former Odisha Minister Jadunath Das Mohapatra passes away

Former Odisha Minister and eminent writer Jadunath Das Mohapatra passed away here today following a brief illness. He was 90.

Das Mohapatra had been admitted to a private hospital here two days ago and breathed his last during treatment, family sources said.

He is survived by a son and daughter, they said.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has condoled the demise of Das Mohapatra and described the late leader as an "astute politician and prolific writer." Patnaik also conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) also condoled his death and described the late leader as a political stalwart and distinguished writer.

Having begun his political career as a student leader, Das Mohapatra had joined Congress in early sixties and was the general secretary of Balasore District Congress Committee from 1964 to 1967.

A multi-faceted personality and three-time MLA, Das Mohapatra was a minister in the ministries of Nandini Satpathy J B Patnaik.

He had also authored a number of Odia novels and won several awards.