Odisha: Former Parliamentarian Mohan Jena No More

Bhubaneswar: Senior politician and former parliamentarian Mohan Jena passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar following prolonged illness on Monday. He was 65.

Jena, who was undergoing treatment at the hospital for a few ailments, breathed his last in the afternoon, family sources said.

The senior leader was elected to Lok Sabha twice from Jajpur on a BJD ticket in 2004 and 2009.

The two-time MP had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2019 general elections after resigning from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief over the demise of Jena and convened his sympathies to the bereaved family.

“I am saddened to learn about former Jajpur MP Mohan Jena’s demise. He shall be always remembered for the work he has done for the welfare of the public as a people’s representative. At this hour of sorrow, I seek salvation for his immortal soul while expressing my sympathies for the bereaved family members,” Naveen said on Twitter in Odia.

A host of leaders including BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda and state BJP president Samir Mohanty have condoled the death of Jena and said the late leader will always be remembered for his contribution towards the welfare of people and development of the state.