Tribal leader Bhagirathi Gomango dead

The eminent Congress leader (75), who had been ailing for quite some time, was returning from Bhubaneswar to his village in Rayagada district when the end came on the way last evening, they said.

Gamango was undergoing treatment at a private hospital here and was going back home after being discharged.

A popular leader in undivided Koraput district, Gamango was a six-time MLA and had served as minister between 1973 and 1977 holding different departments like supply, rural development, cooperation and agriculture, sources said.

A host of dignitaries and leaders including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, leader of opposition in Odisha assembly Bhupinder Singh and former chief minister Giridhar Gamang have condoled his death.

Describing Gamango as an able administrator and popular tribal leader, the chief minister said the late leader had contributed immensely for the uplift of dalits and tribals.

Bhupinder Singh hailed Gomango as a grassroot level leader and said Odisha has lost a popular tribal leader in his demise.