Bhubaneswar: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Odisha Minister Ananta Das passed away in the early hours of Sunday in Bhubaneswar following a prolonged illness. He was 85.
Das, who had been suffering from age-related ailments for a long period, breathed his last at his residence in the capital city, family sources said.
A four-time MLA from the Bhograi constituency in Balasore district, Das was a prominent figure in Odisha politics. He was elected to the Assembly in 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019 as a BJD candidate.
During his long political career, Das held several important positions, including Minister for Industries, Higher Education, Chief Whip of the government, and Chairman of the Balasore District Planning Board.
President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Leader of Opposition (LoP0 Naveen Patnaik and several others expressed deep condolences over the demise of Ananta Das.
“Saddened to learn about the passing of Shri Anant Das, who served as a minister in the Odisha government. He worked for the people of Odisha. My condolences to his family, friends, and followers,” President Droupadi Murmu said in a post on X handle.
Describing Das as a popular leader and able administrator, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi said the state has lost a dedicated and affable leader in the passing of Das.
Expressing grief over the demise of Das, BJD president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik said the ex-Minister would be remembered for the works done by him as a people’s representative over the last several years.
Born on August 28, 1940, at Kurutia village of Bhograi block in Balasore district, Das dedicated his career to the development of his constituency and the state.
