Bhubaneswar: Political parties like the BJP, Congress and BJD may exist forever, but Odisha will never get a legislator like Bishnu Charan Sethi who was liked by all for his rare qualities and simplicity, said firebrand leader Suresh Routray.
Describing the demise of the BJP leader as a big loss for the state, the Congress MLA said Sethi was an able legislator who raised burning issues forcefully in the Assembly, but was always friendly with all outside the House irrespective of political affiliations.
“I had a great relationship with Bishnu, who was like a younger brother. He used to like me a lot. He was liked by all for his simplicity,” he said.
Hailing the departed leader as a combination of unique qualities, Routray said though Sethi was a bitter critic in the Assembly, once outside the House, he used to treat everyone in a polite and friendly manner.
“Everyone became happy after hearing from Bishnu, who always appeared with a smiling face,” he said.
Condolences poured in for Sethi, from the President to Prime Minister.
“Saddened by the demise of Shri Bishnu Charan Sethi, a prominent public figure in Odisha. A prolific writer, Shri Sethi was an eminent legislator. His demise leaves a void which is difficult to fill. My heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers and followers,” President Droupadi Murmu tweeted.
Expressing grief and offering his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Shri Bishnu Charan Sethi Ji made an outstanding contribution to Odisha’s progress. He distinguished himself as a hardworking legislator and contributed greatly to social empowerment. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”
“Shri Bishnu Sethi had devoted his life for public service and played a very key role in strengthening the party prospects. His demise is a big loss to BJP family and Odisha,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said.
“Bishnu Charan Sethi always strived for the interest of people in the state. My condolences are with the bereaved family. I pray to God for the departed soul,” BJP president J P Nadda tweeted.
Condoling Sethi’s death, Union Education & Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said he had a family connection with him and considered him his elder brother.
Calling him a “dear friend and like his small brother,” Odisha BJP president Samir Mohanty said he was saddened to hear the news of his death.
“The speciality of Bishnu Sethi was his straightforwardness and he never wanted to break friendship with anybody, irrespective of his party affiliation. He was a good litterateur. His demise is a big loss to the state,” Cuttack BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab said.
Prasanna Acharya, BJD’s Rajya Sabha MP, said, “He was like my younger brother. He not only loved Balasore and Bhadrak but also the entire state.”
Odisha Assembly Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha also expressed grief over his passing away.
