Bhubaneswar: The Odisha BJP on Thursday mourned the death of its senior leader and former Puri Zilla Parishad president Shankarsan Parida, who breathed his last while undergoing treatment for lung cancer at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.
He was serving as BJP’s Panchayat Cell state coordinator.
According to sources, Parida, who was also a poet, was first admitted to Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre in Cuttack. He was then shifted to Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, and Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, before being admitted to AIIMS here in a critical condition. He celebrated his birthday and wrote his last poem in the hospital bed.
He is survived by his wife, a college lecturer, and two daughters.
BJP state president Manmohan Samal described Parida as an soft-spoken yet efficient organiser.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi said that his death was an irreparable loss for Odisha politics and literature. “In this hour of grief, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath grant peace to his immortal soul.”
Expressing deep grief over his demise, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote on X: “Upon hearing the news of the demise of Sankar Parida, a worker of our party, former Zilla Parishad President of Puri, and a litterateur, I am deeply saddened and heartbroken. He was a person of affectionate and jovial nature. His contributions towards social service, literature, and strengthening the organisation of our party will remain memorable. While praying for the eternal peace of his soul, I extend my condolences to the bereaved family members.”
Former Union M inister Dilip Ray also mourned his death.”Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of senior BJP leader and former Puri Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Shri Shankar Parida. My heartfelt condolences to his family and well-wishers.May Mahaprabhu Jagannath grant eternal peace to his noble soul,” he posted on Facebook.