Veteran BJD Leader And Seven Time Odisha MLA Pradeep Maharathy Dies Of COVID-19; CM Patnaik, Others Express Condolences

Pradeep Maharathy passes Away: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Governor Ganeshi Lal, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Pratap Sarangi and several other leaders cutting across party lines mourned the untimely demise of Pradeep Maharathy.

Former Odisha minister and Biju Janata Dal legislator from Pipili constituency, Pradeep Maharathy passed away due to the novel Coronavirus infection on Sunday, October 4. The 65-years-old veteran leader had tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 virus on September 14 and was undergoing treatment for the same at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. The seven time Odisha MLA was initially discharged from the hospital after recovery but was admitted again as his condition became critical. He was put on ventilator support on Friday after his health condition started to deteriorate and unfortunately, Pradeep Maharathy breathed his last on Sunday. He is survived by wife, son and daughter. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Governor Ganeshi Lal, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Pratap Sarangi and several other leaders cutting across party lines mourned the untimely demise of Pradeep Maharathy. "He was a true leader of people. I extend my deep sympathy to the bereaved family and the people of Pipili," CM Patnaik in his condolence message said. Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal office took to the Twitter to express grief over Pradeep Maharathy's death. "Hon'ble Governor condoles the sad demise of Hon'ble MLA & Ex Minister Pradeep Maharathy and conveys his deep sympathy to the bereaved family and constituents. "He was a popular leader & able legislator, his untimely death is a big loss to the polity", the Governor added."

Widely known as Natu Bhai, Pradeep Maharathy has started his political career as a student leader at the SCS College in Puri. He soon joined the Janata Dal in 1985 and was elected from Pipili constituency. From this point onwards, there was no turning back in the career as he continued to win the hearts of the people of Pipili. He then joined Biju Janata Dal in 2000 and won subsequent elections from Pipili. During his tenure under the Naveen Patnaik Cabinet in 2011, Pradeep held the portfolios of Agriculture, Fisheries, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water. It may be noted that the state had received Krishi Karman Award for four consecutive years uring Pradeep's tenure as the Odisha Agriculture Minister.