Bhubaneswar: Senior BJD member and former MLA Ananta Das passed away due to age-related ailments at his residence here on Sunday morning, his son, Biswajit, said. He was 85.
Das was elected to the assembly from the Bhograi constituency four times from 2004 to 2019. He served as minister of higher education and industries in the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD govt.
Politicians cutting across party lines condoled his death.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi said he was a popular leader and a true statesman. “Late Das was a popular leader and a skilled administrator. As a minister and legislator, he made significant contributions to the development of the state and the Balasore region,” the CM said in an official statement.
Majhi said the state had lost a dedicated public servant. He also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the peace of the departed soul.
Former CM and leader of the opposition Naveen Patnaik also condoled the demise of Das. “I am saddened to hear about the passing of senior party leader and former minister Ananta Das. His long-standing service to the people as a public representative will always be remembered. In this time of sorrow, I extend my condolences to the grieving family and pray for the peace of his departed soul,” Nvaeen said.
Das was born on Aug 28, 1940 in Kurutia village under Bhograi block.