Odisha’s First BJP MLA Prasanna Patanayak Passes Away at 74

Bhubaneswar: Prasanna Kumar Patanayak, a veteran political figure and the first-ever Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Odisha, passed away on Friday at the age of 74. He had been suffering from prolonged illness and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, where he breathed his last early this morning.

Patanayak made history in Odisha’s political landscape by becoming the first BJP candidate to be elected to the State Assembly, representing the Kamakhyanagar constituency in Dhenkanal district. A three-time legislator, his political career spanned multiple parties—starting with the Janata Party (1977–1980), followed by the BJP (1985–1990), and later with the Janata Dal (1990–1995).

Renowned for his commitment to education and grassroots development, Patanayak was instrumental in the establishment of numerous educational institutions in the Kamakhyanagar region. Notable among them are Kamakhyanagar Women’s College, Birashaala Regional College, and Bhuban Women’s College, among over 15 such institutions that came up due to his efforts.

His demise marks the end of an era in Odisha’s political history. The veteran leader’s last rites will be conducted at Swargadwar in Puri. Leaders from across political parties have expressed their condolences, remembering Patanayak as a trailblazer who contributed immensely to the political and educational fabric of the state.