Former Odisha CM Janaki Ballabh Patnaik dies at 89

Former Odisha CM, veteran Congress leader, Ex Assam Governor, Renowned Writer, Journalist, Statesman and Sanskrit Scholar Janaki Ballabh Patnaik alias JB, died at the age of 89. He breathed his last at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. His demise coincided with auspicious Akshaya Tritiya and Chandan Yatra.

JB Patnaik has gone to Tirupati to attend the Convocation Ceremony of Tirupati Sanskrit University, which was scheduled to be held today. JB was the Chancellor of the University. He arrived in Tirupati on a special flight yesterday. In the night, JB felt some pain in chest and admitted to the hospital. He passed away this morning.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and leaders of all political parties as well as the intellectuals of the state have condoled JB Patnaik’s death. The Odisha Government has declared an official holiday today and also announced a seven-day mourning in the state. His mortal remains will be flown to Bhubaneswar by this afternoon. It is believed that his last rites will be performed at Puri Swarg Dwar.

Born on 3rd January, 1927 at Rameswar village in Khordha district, JB Patnaik controlled the Odisha Politics as well as the Congress Party for long. He was the Chief Minister of Odisha from 1980 till 1989 and then from 1995 till 1999. He held the post of Assam Governor from 2009 till 2014. He was an Union Minister in Indira Gandhi’s Cabinet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed his condolences at JB Patnaik’s death. “Shri JB Patnaik’s contribution to Odisha’s development will always be remembered. Saddened on his demise. Condolences to his family: PM” tweeted PMO.

“Shri JB Patnaik will be remembered as a pillar of Odisha politics, a popular leader always connected with people’s views & aspirations: PM”, it further added.

An alumni of Utkal University and Banaras Hindu University, JB Patnaik remained a big challenge for his political adversaries till his death. Odisha lost a great soul t the demise of JB Patnaik today. We, at Odisha News Insight, condole the sad demise of JB and pray for the departed soul. May his soul rest in peace.