Former MLA Nityananda Samantray passes away

Cuttack: Former MLA and father of Cuttack- Barabati legislator Debasish Samantray, Nityananda Samantray passed away today at his Rajabagicha residence in Cuttack. The veteran leader was 86.

Soon after his death, supporters and leaders cutting across party lines gathered at his residence to pay their last respects.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his condolence on the demise of Samantray.

In a tweet message, Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda said, “Saddened to hear. He was a widely liked veteran leader. A decade ago, I had sought his advice & blessings before switching from Rajya Sabha to Lok Sabha & his encouragement had played a big role in my transition. May his soul rest in peace, Om Shanti.”

Samantray was born in 1933 in Kolar village in the undivided Cuttack district.

He was elected to the Odisha Assembly in 1985 from Tirtol constituency.