By Anurjay Dhal
RAJKANIKA/KENDRAPARA(ODISHA): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union PNG-Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan were on Thursday led the State in paying the last respect to noted freedom fighter and former MP, Bhabani Charan Patnaik , who passed away at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, 120 km from here, at the age of 98.
Chief Minister Patnaik expressed deep grief on the passing away of the veteran freedom fighter of Odisha. “He will be remembered for eternity as a true Gandhian,” the Odisha CM said while praying for peace to the departed soul and expressing condolences to the bereaved family members.
Union Minister Pradhan said, Patnaik was a member in Rajya Sabha for 3 terms and was very active freedom fighter of our times and Patnaik took part in freedom struggle from very childhood days.
BJP National VP-Spokesperson and 4th times former MP, Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda expressed his deepest condole on the passing away of eminent freedom fighter and former MP, Patnaik.
“Very saddened to learn of the demise of Gandhian, veteran freedom fighter, former Member of Parliament, Padma Shri Bhabani Charan Patnaik.I remember him fondly from my childhood, he was acquainted with my parents & frequented our home. Condolences to the bereaved family.Om Shanti,” twitted the senior BJP leader and former MP, Panda.
“I am deeply pained and anguished at the passing away of eminent freedom fighter, Gandhian, former MP and Padma Shri awardee Shri. Bhabani Charan Pattanayak. His life, works and words will continue to inspire and motivate us in our task of nation-building,” twitted, BJD Rajya Sabha MP, Dr Sasmit Patra.
‘The centurian freedom fighter padmashree Bhabani ch Pattanaik is no more.I had several occasions to interact with him .At this age he was highly active and vocal.I pay my homage to him and compassion to his family.It is a great loss to Odisha,” Alekha Padhiary, former IAS officer.
“Saddened by the demise of Former MP Padmashree Bhavani Charan Patnaik at Bhubneswar today. I pray to Jaganath to stand by the family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” twitted former MP, Ranjib Biswal.
“Pay our deepest tribute to freedom fighter and former MP Bhabani Ch Patnaik who expired just now. May Lord Jagannath bless his soul to rest in peace,” twitted President, Samajwadi Party, Odisha, Rabi Behera.
“Eminent Freedom Fighter , former Rajya Sabha Member, the Great Gandhian Padmashree Bhabani Patnaik is no more.My heartfelt condolences and Sradhanjali,” twitted, IMS, Director, Upendra Padhi.
Patnaik was suffering from prolonged age-related illness and cardiac issues. He was shifted to the ICU of the city hospital on March 25. Expressing concern, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had directed the health department to form a medical team to monitor the veteran freedom fighter’s health condition.
Born on May 11, 1922, at Andhia village in Puri district, Bhabani Charan Pattanayak was elected to the Upper House from Odisha for three terms in 1961, 1966 and 1978. In 2018, he was conferred the Padma Shri. He was also one of the founder members of Nimapara Autonomous College. A true Gandhian, Patnaik had joined the Quit India Movement in 1942. At that time, he was studying in Class XI. He had also spent three-and-a-half years in jail.
