BHUBANESWAR: Senior BJP leader and former MP Rudra Madhab Ray passed away at a private hospital here on Tuesday following prolonged illness. He was 79.
A three-time MLA from Daspalla constituency, Ray was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2009 from Kandhamal seat as a BJD candidate. However, Ray who had long association with the Janata Dal and BJD, joined BJP before the 2014 general election.
Ray, regarded as an influential leader and good organiser, was associated with a number of activities in social, educational and cultural fields.
Leaders from different political parties including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoled the death of Ray. In a message, the Chief Minister described Ray as an effective leader and organiser.
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said Ray always fought for issues affecting the common people.
Among others, BJD MP Baijayant Panda, Minister for School and Mass Education Debi Prasad Mishra, Rural Development Minister Badri Narayan Patro, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Ashok Panda, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, State BJP president Basant Panda, senior BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra and BJP MLA Dilip Ray also condoled Ray’s death.