Bhubaneswar: The mortal remains of veteran BJD leader and former Odisha Speaker Maheswar Mohanty were consigned to flames at Swargadwar in the pilgrim town of Puri on Tuesday evening.
The cremation of the five-time MLA, who passed away at a private hospital in the wee hours of Tuesday, was held in the presence of a host of dignitaries, family members, relatives a scores of his admirers. His son Sunil Mohanty lit the Pyre, sources said.
Maheswar, a former MLA of Puri, suffered a brain stroke and was admitted at a hospital on November 1. His condition was critical and was being treated at the ICU of the hospital. He breathed his last at 3.25 am, hospital sources said.
The body of Maheswar, also a former Minister, was carried in a flower bedecked vehicle from Bhubaneswar to his residence in the seaside town for his near and dear ones to pay their last respect. The mortal remains were then taken in a procession to Swargadwar for cremation.
Earlier in the state capital, his body was taken to the Assembly building and party headquarters Sankha Bhawan from the hospital in Bhubaneswar, where he breathed his last.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and a host of dignitaries paid their last respect to the late leader. Naveen paid homage and offered floral tributes to Maheswar as his body arrived at Sankha Bhavan, the headquarters of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The CM, who has deeply mourned the demise of the BJD stalwart, placed a wreath on his body.
A guard of honour was accorded to the late leader when his body reached the Assembly complex to enable people to have a last glimpse of Maheswar.
A large number of dignitaries, including Ministers, BJD leaders and legislators, visited Sankha Bhawan as well as the state Assembly to pay their last respects to the late leader.
A five-time legislator, Maheswar was minister in the Naveen Patnaik government from 2011 to 2014 and also from 2017 to 2018 and held portfolios such as law, revenue, panchayat raj and planning and coordination. He was Speaker from May 2004 to March 2008.
