Bhubaneswar: Veteran Odisha politician and former minister Rasabihari Behera died at his residence in Bhawanipatna on Wednesday following a prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 88.
Born on April 12, 1938, Behera had a long political career, during which he represented the Koksara Assembly constituency twice, winning elections in 1977 and 1985.
He was also elected to the Lok Sabha from Kalahandi in 1980, representing the constituency in Parliament.
Behera began his political career as an active member of the Indian National Congress and remained associated with public service for several decades.
Known for his close association with the people, he regularly raised public issues on political platforms and worked for regional development and public welfare.
Apart from politics, Behera had a keen interest in literature and travel writing.
