Prez condoles Patnaik’s death

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday condoled the passing away of former Odisha Chief Minister J B Patnaik.
In a condolence message to his wife, Jayanti Patnaik, the President said, “I am sad to learn about the passing away of J B Patnaik, a friend and colleague of long years”.  A veteran Parliamentarian, former Union Minister, Governor, Congress leader and able administrator, Patnaik served the nation in different capacities during his long public life.
As Member of Legislative Assembly, Minister and Chief Minister of Odisha, he made immense contribution for the welfare and development of the people and State of Odisha. Patnaik was also known for his varied interests and rich contribution towards literature. In his death, the nation has lost an eminent leader whose service to the nation will be always remembered.
“Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to the rest of your family members. I pray to the Almighty to give you and other members of your family the strength to bear this irreparable loss”, the President said  in his condolence message.
Three-time Odisha chief minister and former Assam governor Janaki Ballabh Patnaik died at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh this morning. (UNI)