When Pranab Mukherjee Rode Pillion On Bike In Odisha

Kendrapada: The demise of former President Pranab Mukherjee that left many of his followers in remorse came as a rude shock to a common man Tarunkanti Kanchilal whose chance meeting with him left a lasting relationship.

Tarunkanti’s first meeting with the veteran politician was in 1999 when the Super Cyclone had devastated Odisha. As an MP, Mukherjee had visited Kendrapada, one of the worst affected areas of the state, to take stock of the situation. As the roads were dotted with fallen trees, he could not travel in a four-wheeler inside the district.

Tarunkanti, who belongs to Ramnagar under Mahakalpada block, had taken the former President on rounds on his motorcycle. Riding as a pillion on Tarunkanti’s bike, Mukherjee visited Ramnagar, Kharinasi, Petachhela and other affected areas in the district.