Former Odisha Speaker Yudhistir Das passes away at 93

Odisha's former Speaker and veteran socialist leader Yudhistir Das passed away at a private hospital here today, family sources said.
Das, a bachelor, was 93 and suffering from various age related ailments. He was also the state President of Lok Dal founded by Charan Singh.
Das for the first time was elected to Odisha Legislative Assembly in 1990 in Janata Dal ticket and become Speaker of the House from March, 9, 1990 till March 22, 1995.
A votary of Odia language, Das promoted the state's mother tongue by organizing World Conference on Odia.
As a true nature lover, Das had set up the Environment Committee of Odisha Assembly.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, OPCC president Jaydev Jena, BJP state president K V Singhdeo, former speaker Sarat Kar and many others condoled sad demise of Das.
"Das was an icon of value based politics," the chief minister said.