Odisha’s first BJP MLA Prasanna Patanayak dies at 76

Bhubaneswar

Prasanna Patanayak, Odisha’s first BJP MLA, passed away on Friday at a private hospital at age 76, family sources confirmed. He was admitted on Thursday due to deteriorating health. Patanayak is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP Odisha president Manmohan Samal, and other leaders expressed deep sorrow over his demise. The Chief Minister lauded Patanayak’s commitment to politics, education, and social service, calling his death a major loss for the state.

Patanayak was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly three times—in 1977, 1985, and 1990—representing Kamakshyanagar in Dhenkanal district. Initially a Janata Party candidate, he made history in 1985 as the first BJP candidate to win an assembly seat in Odisha. He joined Janata Dal in 1990 before returning to BJP in 2014.

His body was taken to the state BJP office for tributes. The last rites will be held at Swargadwar, Puri.