Senior Congress leader and former Minister Raghunath Patnaik passed away due to a cardiac disease at a hospital here on Thursday. He was 89.
Patnaik had been admitted to a private hospital on Wednesday after he felt difficulties in breathing. He breathed his last on Thursday morning during treatment.
Patnaik, who was elected to the State Assembly six times from the Jeypore constituency, had held important portfolios like Finance and law in the JB Patnaik-led Congress Government. Governor SC Jamir, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, PCC president Prasad Harichandan and BJP State president Basant Panda condoled the demises of the popular leader.
“My condolences to the family of ex-Minister & popular leader Raghunath Patnaik. May his soul rest in peace,” the CM tweeted.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also condoled the death of Patnaik. “Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Raghunath Patnaik. He was an inspirational leader who will always be remembered fondly,” Pradhan tweeted. Many other leaders cutting party lines, including BJD MP Baijayant Panda, too mourned Patnaik’s demise.