Pradeep Maharathy began his career as a student leader at SCS College in Puri.
Bhubaneswar:
Biju Janata Dal MLA Pradeep Maharathy died in a private hospital in the early hours of Sunday, family sources said. He was 65 years old.
The seven-time Pipili MLA in Puri district is survived by his wife Prativa, son Rudra Pratap, and daughter Pallavi.
Pradeep Maharathy, who tested positive for COVID-19 on September 14, was released from the hospital after recovering, but was admitted again because his condition became critical. He has been on respiratory support since Friday.
The veteran politician began his career as a student leader at SCS College in Puri. He joined Janata Dal in 1985 and was elected to the Assembly of the Pipili constituency.
He was arrested under MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) during the Emergency. Popularly known as Natu Bhai, Pradeep Maharathy had won the subsequent Pipili elections. He joined BJD in 2000.
He was inducted into the Cabinet of Naveen Patnaik in 2011 and held the portfolios of Agriculture, Fisheries, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water.
During his tenure as Minister of Agriculture, Odisha had received the Krishi Karman Award for four consecutive years. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief over Pradeep Maharathy’s disappearance, describing him as a “stalwart” of BJD and a longtime associate of Biju Patnaik.
“He was a true leader of the people. I express my deepest condolences to the grieving family and people of Pipili,” Patnaik said in a message of condolence.
Pradeep Maharathy’s body will be cremated with all the honor of the state, he said.
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Pratap Sarangi, and many state ministers, condemned the death of Pradeep Maharathy.
The Honorable Governor mourns the sad passing of the Honorable MLA and former Minister Pradeep Maharathy and conveys his deepest condolences to the grieving family and constituents. “He was a popular leader and capable legislator, his premature death is a great loss for politics,” added the governor. ????????
– Governor Odisha (@GovernorOdisha) October 4, 2020
“Pradeep Maharathy was a popular leader and a capable legislator, his untimely death is a great loss to politics,” said the governor.
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