BHUBANESWAR: Governor MC Bhandare expressed shock over the demise of Bhajan Samrat Bhikari Bal.
Describing him as a versatile singer and a colossus in the world of Oriya music, Bhandare said people of Orissa loved him.
“He inspired a generation of young bhajan singers and perhaps that was his greatest contribution,” he said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in his message said Bal was second to none. His death has created a void in the cultural circuit of Orissa, he said.
Tourism Minister Debiprasad Mishra, State BJP president Jual Oram, BJP Legislature Party leader KV Singhdeo, former president Suresh Pujari, former ministers Biswabhusan Harichandan and Manmohan mourned his death.