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Former Odisha minister and four-time Bhograi MLA Ananta Das died at his Bhubaneswar residence early Sunday (March 9) at 3:30 am. The 85-year-old BJD leader was battling prolonged age-related ailments and was recently discharged from a private hospital, his family confirmed.
Political Journey: A Pillar of BJD’s Balasore Dominance
Das served as MLA from Bhograi constituency for four consecutive terms (2004–2019) under the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), winning his final election in 2019 with over 76,796 votes.
Known for grassroots connectivity, he held key portfolios including Industries Minister, Higher Education Minister, and Chief Whip in former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s government. Colleagues hailed him as the ‘architect of modern Bhograi’ for advancing rural infrastructure and agricultural welfare through initiatives like the Chasi Surakhya Parisad.
Tributes pour in:
Politicians across party lines paid their respects to Das. In a post on X (formerly Twiter), BJP National Vice-President and Kendrapara MLA Baijayant Panda wrote "I am saddened and shocked to hear the news of the demise of senior politician, former minister in the Odisha government and former MLA from Bhograi, Shri Anant Das. I had personal and political acquaintance with Anant Babu. I extend my condolences to the bereaved family and extend my deepest sympathies."
Early Life and Civil Service:
Born on August 28, 1940, in Kuruthia village (Balasore), Das earned an MA LLB before joining the Orissa Administrative Service.
Das retired as an Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in Bhadrak, later founding the Bhograi Vikas Parishad to drive local development. Additionally, his administrative expertise shaped his political approach, focusing on farmer support and disaster resilience in cyclone-prone coastal Odisha.
Legacy of Public Service:
Starting his political career with the NCP, Das switched to BJD ahead of his 2004 electoral debut. Over 15 years, he became synonymous with Bhograi’s progress, balancing ministerial roles with constituency development.
