Five-time MLA from Padampur, Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha no more

Veteran leader and five-time legislator from Padampur constituency, Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar late Sunday night. He was 65.

According to sources, Bariha was undergoing treatment at the hospital for quite some time due to illness, his son Brajraj Singh said. 

Bariha's mortal remains will be taken to Odisha Assembly and BJD headquarters where leaders from all political parties are expected to pay tributes to the departed leader. His body will then be taken to his ancestral house at Padampur. 

Known as a strong leader in western Odisha, Bariha was elected to Odisha Assembly twice on Janata Dal ticket between 1990 and 2000. He again won the Padampur Assembly seat in 2004 and 2009 from BJD ticket and also served as a minister in the ruling party. He is currently the sitting legislator from Padampur.