The State Assembly on Sunday paid rich tributes to Pipili BJD MLA Pradeep Maharathy, who died of Covid late on Saturday night, and was adjourned for a day as a mark of respect to the departed soul.
Bringing an obituary motion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik termed Maharathy as a people’s leader.
"Maharathy passed away in the early hours of October 4, 2020. His demise is an irreparable loss to the State and the members of his family. He was a people’s leader," said Patnaik.Leader of the Opposition Pradipta Kumar Naik also mourned his demise."I am deeply hurt over the death of a popular leader like Maharathy. Let Lord Jagannath give peace to his soul," said Naiak.Congress Legislature Party Leader Narsaingha Mishra remembered him as a good leader. Among others, BJP Chief Whip Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP member Kusum Tete, Congress members Tara Prasad Bahinipati and Santosh Singh Saluja and BJD members Debi Prasad Mishra, Pritiranjan Ghadai, Amar Prasad Satpathy, Bikram Keshari Arukh remembered Maharathy’s straightforward and friendly qualities.
Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro said Maharathy's dedication towards his work was "extraordinary". After a one-minute silence, Patro adjourned the House for a day till Monday.