New Delhi: Former Odisha Chief Minister Hemananda Biswal passed away on Friday while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, according to news agency ANI.


He was 83 years old. The senior Congress politician served as Odisha's Chief Minister twice -- between December 7, 1989, and March 5, 1990, and December 6, 1999, and March 5, 2000.


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"Odisha lost a skilled, rare, and experienced politician," said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.


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Taking to Twitter, Union Education Minister Pradhan said, "I am saddened to hear of the demise of former Odisha Chief Minister and senior leader Hemananda Bishwal. In his absence, Odisha lost a competent, rare, and experienced politician."






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“His special contribution to the development of the state, especially to the tribals, will forever be remembered,” he added and extended his condolences to the family.


(With Inputs From ANI)