BHUBANESWAR:President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers have condoled the death of veteran Congress leader and three-time Odisha chief minister J B Patnaik.
In his condolence message to Jayanti Patnaik, wife of JB Patnaik, Mukherjee described him as a friend and colleague of long years. A veteran Parliamentarian, former Union minister, Governor, Congress leader and an able administrator, JB served the nation in different capacities during his long public life, he said.
JB was also known for his varied interests and rich contribution towards literature. In his death, the nation has lost an eminent leader whose service will always be remembered, he said.
The Prime Minister described JB as a pillar of Odisha politics and a popular leader who always connected with people’s views and aspirations. JB’s contribution to Odisha’s growth will always be remembered, Modi said.
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram said the contribution of JB Patnaik towards development of Odisha is immense. Describing him as a front-ranking Congress leader at the national level, Oram said his work as Governor of Assam was laudable. Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said JB Patnaik’s death has brought to end an era in Odisha politics.