Veteran leader and Odisha’s first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, Prasanna Pattnaik, passed away on Thursday at the age of 74. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.
Pattnaik, who represented the Kamakhyanagar constituency, holds a historic place in Odisha’s political landscape. He made history in 1977 by becoming the first BJP legislator elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly. He later won elections from Kamakhyanagar again in 1985 and 1990, serving three terms in total.
His long-standing political career is remembered for its integrity, dedication to public service, and significant contribution to the rise of the BJP in Odisha.
The news of his demise has drawn tributes from across political parties. Leaders from the BJP and beyond expressed their sorrow and admiration for Pattnaik’s work and legacy. Many acknowledged that his passing marks the end of an important chapter in the state’s political history.
As Odisha mourns the loss of one of its pioneering leaders, tributes continue to pour in for a man who laid the foundation for BJP’s journey in the state.
