Ex-minister Raghunath Patnaik passes away

Jeypore: Senior Congress leader and former minister Raghunath Patnaik passed away today following a cardiac disease here at a hospital. He was 89.

He was admitted to a private hospital here yesterday after he felt difficulties in breathing. He breathed his last this morning during treatment.

Patnaik, who was elected to Odisha Assembly six times from Jeypore constituency, had held important portfolios like Finance and Law in the JB Patnaik led Congress government.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik, PCC president Prasad Harichandan and BJP State president Basant Panda condoled the sad demises of the popular leader.

"My condolences to the family of ex-minister & popular leader Raghunath Patnaik. May his soul rest in peace", Naveen tweeted.

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan also condoled the death of Patnaik. "Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Raghunath Patnaik.He was an inspirational leader who will always be remembered fondly" Pradhan tweeted.