By Our Correspondent
PURI/NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union PNG-Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday led the condolences in memory of late political heavyweight and BJD veteran, Pradeep Maharathy, a 7th times Pipili MLA and former Minister, who took his last breath in the wee hours of the day at IMS-SUM Hospital in State Capital. He was 65.Born on 4 July, 1955 at village Khorapada in Pipili.
Hon’ble Governor condoles the sad demise of Hon’ble MLA Ex Minister Pradeep Maharathy and conveys his deep sympathy to the bereaved family and constituents. “He was a popular leader & able legislator, his untimely death is a big loss to the polity”, the Governor added.
Chief Minister Patnaik has expressed deep grief at the passing away of veteran leader Mr.Maharathy .The Chief Minister has described him as a stalwart of BIju Janata Dal and a long time associate of Biju Babu .Known for his exceptional organisation capacity he had won from pipili consecutively for 7 the time .He was a true leader of people, said Chief Minister. Chief Minister conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved family and the people of pipili .The mortal remains of the departed soul cremated with full State Honours .His last rites performed at Swargadwar, Puri, said sources.
Besides, BJP National VP Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda, former Union Minister Dilip Ray, BJP veteran Bijay Mohapatra, former Minister Damodar Rout, Minister Raja Swain, BJD Rajya Sabha MP, Dr Sasmit Patra, BJP Rajya Sabha MP, Ashwini Vaishnab and others condole the death of Maharathy.
“In 1985 Elections, we both together for the very first time got elected to the Assembly and he has been a very close associate since then. By nature a truly jovial person, he lived life in a very optimistic way and it was always a great delight to interact with him and have his company.
To know that Pradeep Maharathy is no more is deeply disturbing. A Seven-time MLA & Former Minister and someone who also played a very crucial role in the formation of BJD, his passing away is a big loss for the State Politics and on a personal level I have lost a very good friend. There are few leaders who being in politics and power for so long remain so firmly associated with their roots and he was one amongst them.I join everyone in paying condolences to the departed soul.Rest in Peace Pradeep !!!,” former Union Minister Dilip Ray wrote.
