PM Modi hails JB Patnaik as a Pillar of Odisha Politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to express his condolences at the sad demise of former Odisha Chief Minister and Ex Assam Governor Janaki Ballabh Patnaik (JB) through Twitter. Modi hailed JB as a great leader and pillar of Odisha politics.

“Shri JB Patnaik’s contribution to Odisha’s development will always be remembered. Saddened on his demise. Condolences to his family”, he tweeted through PMO handle.

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

PM Modi also uploaded a file picture of his meeting with JB Patnaik when the latter was the Assam Governor. “A picture of PM @narendramodi meeting Shri JB Patnaik, who served as Odisha CM and Assam Governor,” said the photo caption.

JB Patnaik, veteran Congress leader, three-time Odisha CM, former Union Minister, Ex Assam Governor, Intellectual, Journalist, Writer and Sanskrit Scholar, passed away at the age of 89 in Tirupati in the wee hours today. Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee spoke to JB’s widow Jayanti Patnaik and condoled the demise of JB Patnaik.