Post News Network, PTI
Bhubaneswar, April 21: Known for his political acumen and skill in devising plans, J B Patnaik remained the focus of Orissa politics for over four decades.
Hailing from a humble background, Patnaik not only proved his abilities in politics by becoming a Union minister, three-time chief minister as well as Governor but also displayed his versatility by excelling in literature, journalism and culture. He was also a Sanskrit scholar.
The Congress stalwart became chief minister in 1980 and continued in office till 1989. He bounced back to power in 1995 and remained chief minister till 1999. He was, however, criticised for several scandals during his tenure, including the infamous Chhabirani murder case of mid-80s and the killing of several engineering students in Burla.
Besides his political career, Patnaik was an eminent litterateur and won many literary awards. He won the Central Sahitya Akademi for his Oriya translation of Bankim Chandra’s novels titled ‘Bankim Chandra Upanyasmala’ in 2001 and Orissa Sahitya Akademi award for ‘Bairagya Shataka’, a translation of Bhartruhari’s celebrated Sanskrit work, in 1996.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday said, “Janaki Ballav Patnaik’s death marks the end of an era in Orissa politics.”
Terming JB as an ‘‘institution’’ in himself, Chief Minister Patnaik said the leader withstood the test of time in politics. Expressing deep condolence, the chief minister said, ‘‘I am deeply distressed at the demise of former chief minister, veteran politician and great literary figure Janaki Ballav Patnaik.’’
Patnaik who paid his last respect to the veteran Congress leader at his residence near Sishu Bhawan here said, “I extend my deep condolences to the bereaved family.”
Governor SC Jamir also paid rich tributes to Patnaik at his residence.
Many national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi expressed their condolences with the bereaved family.
In her message from New Delhi, Sonia Gandhi said the late leader spent decades in the service of people and he remained a Congressman till the end.
Union ministers from Orissa Jual Oram and Dharmendra Pradhan also condoled the demise of the former chief minister.
All state ministers including health and I&PR minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, parliamentary affairs minister Bikram Keshari Arukh, food minister Sanjay Das Burma, industry minister Debi Prasad Mishra and others expressed their
condolences.
