President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of former Odisha chief minister J.B. Patnaik and said the nation has lost an eminent leader whose service will be always remembered.
In his, the President has said, "I am sad to learn about the passing away of Shri J.B. Patnaik, a friend and colleague of long years. A veteran Parliamentarian, former Union Minister, Governor, Congress leader and able administrator, Shri Patnaik served the nation in different capacities during his long public life," President Mukherjee said in his condolence message to his wife Jayanti Patnaik.
"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. Shri 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," he added.
President Mukherjee further said, "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."
89-year-old Patnaik breathed his last in a private hospital at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.