Daijiworld Media Network - Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Mar 9: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Odisha minister Ananta Das passed away at the age of 85 on Sunday. He breathed his last at his residence in Bhubaneswar.

A four-time MLA from Bhograi constituency in Balasore district, Das served in the Odisha Assembly from 2004 to 2019 on a BJD ticket. Between 2017 and 2019, he held key ministerial portfolios, including Higher Education and Industries, and also served as Chief Whip in the Odisha Assembly from 2014 to 2017.

A former Orissa Administrative Service (OAS) officer, Das held several administrative roles before entering politics, including BDO, Tahasildar, additional district magistrate, and deputy secretary in various state departments.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over his demise, remembering him as a dedicated public servant and an efficient administrator. "The state has lost a devoted leader with his passing," the CM stated, extending condolences to the bereaved family.

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik also paid tribute, stating that Das’s long service as a legislator would always be remembered. "I extend my condolences to his family and pray for the eternal peace of his soul," he wrote on X.