Bhubaneswar: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today paid his tributes to late industrialist and founder and chairman Emeritus of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA), Bansidhar Panda at his residence and expressed his condolences.
Pradhan was accompanied by Odisha BJP legislature party leader, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and State secretary Lekhasri Samantsinghar.
The leaders met Bansidhar Panda's two sons, Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda and Managing Director of IMFA Subhrakant Panda and other family members.
"The life of Bansidhar Panda is an inspiration for us; he is an example of Odisha's pride," Pradhan said.
Pradhan also slammed Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik for not paying his last respects to Bansidhar Panda. "It is not appropriate to be a subject of political debate, but such behaviour is not expected from those who are trumpeting about the State's pride and self-respect. Great works are not done with a small heart," said Pradhan.
Similarly, former MP and Utkal Bharat party chief, Kharavela Swain visited the residence of Bansidhar Panda and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family members.
"Why is the ruling party, which has maintained a stable government since last 18 years, exhibiting such insanity? It is not elevating their dignity but reflecting their mean-mindedness," said Swain.
Meanwhile, a candle rally was also held at Choudwar in Cuttack today to pay tributes to the departed soul of Bansidhar Panda. IMFA employees along with others representing various organisations took out the rally which started from Gandhi Chhak and culminated at IMFA's Choudwar plant covering most parts of the town.