Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with prominent Congress, BJD and BJP leaders, expressed profound sorrow on Friday over the demise of Debendra Sharma, a senior Congress leader and former MLA from Aali in Kendrapara district.
Sharma, who passed away at the age of 66 due to cancer, was remembered for his significant contributions to public welfare and service as a people’s representative.
In a heartfelt post on X, CM Majhi, paid tribute to Sharma’s enduring legacy. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Devendra Sharma, the former MLA of Aali. As a public representative, his welfare works and service will always be remembered. I pray for the eternal peace of his soul and extend my deepest condolences to his bereaved family. Om Shanti,” Majhi wrote in Odia.
Sharma had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar before his death on Friday evening, according to family sources. His passing has cast a shadow of grief not only in Kendrapara but across Odisha, particularly within the Congress party, where he was a respected figure.
Sharma represented the Aul assembly constituency from 2014 to 2019 as a Congress MLA and was known for his grassroots efforts to improve the lives of the people in his region.
Political leaders across party lines have joined Majhi in mourning Sharma’s loss, with many acknowledging his dedication to Odisha’s development.
OPCC Chief Bhakta Charan Das, former OPCC Chief Niranjan Patnaik, BJD Rajya Sabha MP Manas Mangaraj and BJP National Vice President Baijayant Jay Panda also offered their condolences, emphasizing Sharma’s dedication to the people of Odisha and his role as a stalwart of public service.
Das, who recently took over as OPCC President, described Sharma as “a pillar of public service and a true representative of the people,” while Patnaik, a veteran Congress leader, recalled Sharma’s tireless efforts for the welfare of his constituents and the party.
Mangaraj, BJD Rajya Sabha member expressed his grief, noting Sharma’s contributions to Kendrapara and Odisha’s political landscape, transcending party lines, and calling him a “dedicated leader whose service will inspire future generations.”
Panda, a key BJP figure and former Kendrapara MP shared his condolences on X, stating, “The passing of Debendra Sharma is a great loss to Odisha. His commitment to public service and the people of Aali will be deeply missed. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and supporters.”
The Chief Minister’s condolence message, along with those from Congress and BJD leaders, underscores Sharma’s impactful tenure as a legislator.
The mortal remains of the late Devendra Nath Sharma, former MLA of Aul, will reach Congress Bhavan tomorrow, 22nd March, Saturday, at 10:00 AM.
Senior Congress leaders, party workers, and well-wishers will be present to pay their last respects and offer heartfelt tributes in a solemn ceremony.
