Former Odisha Youth Congress president Sangram Jena, passed away during treatment for Covid complications on Thursday. He was 44, his family said.
Sangram, the son of ex-Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee chief Jaydev Jena was under Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) support for the last 84 days at a private hospital in Hyderabad. He was undergoing treatment after contracting Covid-19, his younger brother Manoj Jena informed.
Considered as one of the foremost emerging leaders from Odisha, Sangram was a prominent face in the youth wing of the State Congress. He had successfully taken active roles in youth politics throughout his career from his college days till now.
He was State Youth Congress general secretary in Ranjeev Biswal’s team, State vice-president of the youth wing under the banner of Rohit Pujari, and was presently serving as the general secretary under Niranjan Patnaik.
Political observers opine that he had a good support base among the youth followers of the party across all districts like the party organisation spearheaded by the late firebrand leader Lalatendu Bidyadhar (Lulu) Mohapatra
Sangram had lost the 2014 General Elections while contesting from the Bhadrak Lok Sabha Constituency after a tough fight with the opposition leaders but managed to secure around 3.30 lakh votes.
Condolences poured in from all quarters following the death of the youth leader. OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik expressed deep sorrow at the untimely demise of Sangram.
Congress veteran Narasingha Mishra, Ramachandra Khuntia and many other leaders of the party condoled the death of Sangram.
Sources said, Sangram’s mortal remains will be brought to Odisha this evening and preparations are underway at the Odisha Congress headquarters where leaders from political parties can pay last tributes to the deceased leader.
Odisha BJP Vice President Bhrugu Baxipatra, BJD leader Rohit Pujari penned heartfelt notes on social media condoling the passing away of Sangram.
All India Congress Secretary Vamshi Chand Reddy, AICC Odisha In-charge A Chella Kumar also expressed grief over the incident.
Senior Congress leader Sura Routray broke down into tears while addressing the media over the incident.