Boudh: Former Chief Minister late Biju Patnaik’s driver and former Phulbani MLA Prahlad Behera died while undergoing treatment at VIMSAR, Burla, on Monday. He was 83.
According to sources, Behera was paralysed and a diabetic. He spent the last few years of his life in penury in a ‘kutcha’ house with his son at Harbhanga in Boudh district.
A driver by profession, Prahlad had got the opportunity to drive Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri to Puri during the latter’s visit to the state. Following this, Biju hired him as his driver.
The former Chief Minister gradually learned about Prahlad’s interest in politics and his knowledge in public affairs. Once he asked Prahlad to address a public gathering. He seized the opportunity and impressed Biju with his courage and oratory skills. The legendary leader of Odisha then asked him to join politics and gave him a Janata Party ticket in 1977 to contest from Phulbani Assembly seat, which he eventually won.
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