Bhubaneswar: Former BJD MLA from Bhubaneswar-Central, Bijaya Kumar Mohanty, passed away here on Sunday. He was 60.
Sources said Mohanty was found unconscious at a guesthouse and rushed to Capital Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. He had been keeping unwell for the past few months, sources said.
Doctors conducted a physical examination and ECG before confirming his death. “A post-mortem will be conducted as per protocol,” said Dhananjay Das, superintendent of Capital Hospital.
Mohanty, popularly called ‘Badal Bhai’, won from Bhubaneswar-Central seat in 2009 and 2014 as a BJD candidate.
Chief minister Mohan Majhi condoled the death of Mohanty. Describing Mohanty as a skilled organiser, social worker and philanthropist, Majhi said he was loved by all. “Elected consecutively twice from Bhubaneswar-Central in 2009 and 2014, he proved his immense popularity. He always prioritised the welfare of the poor and underprivileged. I pray for eternal peace and extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” Majhi said in a message.
Mohanty’s body was taken to the assembly premises, where politicians across party lines paid tribute.
BJD supremo and former CM Naveen Patnaik also condoled Mohanty’s death. “I am saddened to know about the death of senior leader and former MLA Bijaya Kumar Mohanty. His dedication to working for the people will always be remembered. My condolences to the bereaved family, and may his soul rest in peace,” Naveen wrote on X.
BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda, BJP MLAs Babu Singh and Prasanta Jagadev, BJD MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, former MLA Ashok Chandra Panda and several others paid tribute to Mohanty.