Eminent tribal leader and former MLA of Umerkote in Nabarangpur District Dharmu Gond died last night at a private hospital in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, family sources said.
Gond (51) who suffered from a cardiac stroke on Monday was admitted to Government Hospital at Umerkote. As his condition become critical, he was immediately shifted to Visakhapatnam on the same day. However, he passed way last night.
His body was brought here and taken to Umerkote where hundreds of people including leaders of various political parties paid floral tribute. His last rites were conducted at his native village Ekamba near Umerkote.
Gond was survived by his wife Reena Majhi, One son and two daughters.
The sad demise of Gond has not only shocked the rank and file of BJP but also thousands of people of Umerkote Assembly Constituency as he was loved by all because of his integrity, honesty and good behaviour.
Born on March 3, 1963 in a cultivator family, Gond after passing law, Gond served as a teacher in Welfare Department. He joined politics in the year 1993 and his clean image, dedication in social service and good behaviour has not only made him a dominating figure but also helped in building a strong base of BJP in Umerkote assembly segment.
Gond unsuccessfully contested in Umerkote seat in 2000 general elections as BJP candidate but the vote polled in his favour was very much encouraging for him and his party.
In 2004 elections Gond wrested Umerkote seat from Congress Party.
