Bhubaneswar: Former Kendrapada MP Prabhat Kumar Samantaray passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Odisha capital late on Wednesday. He was 74.
According to family sources, he breathed his last at around 1.34 am. He is said to have suffered a brain stroke.
Samantaray was elected to the Lok Sabha as a member of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in 1998 and 1999.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo expressed grief over demise.
In his condolence message, the CM described him as a capable politician and dedicated social worker. He said that Samantray effectively voiced constituency and state concerns in Parliament as an MP and earned widespread respect for his developmental initiatives in Kendrapada.
In a statement, the Deputy CM said, “I am very saddened by the passing of Samantray. In 1998 and 1999, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kendrapara constituency and raised many issues of the state. His departure has created an irreparable void in the state politics. The life of Samantray will inspire future generation.”