Bhubaneswar: A pall of gloom descended on Odisha following the demise of former minister and veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Damodar Rout. His death, undoubtedly, has created a void in Odisha politics.
Hailing him for his straightforwardness personality, President of India Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Governor Raghubar Das, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and several other leaders cutting across party lines mourned the demise of Rout.
Condoling the demise of Damador Rout, President wrote, “Saddened by the demise of veteran leader Shri Damodar Rout who served as minister several times in Odisha Government. Shri Rout’s contribution to the progress of Odisha and the country will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to his family members and followers.”
Taking to X, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote, “I am saddened to hear the news of the demise of former minister and senior leader Damodar Rout. He was active in politics for many years and engaged himself in public welfare work. Odisha has lost an articulate and experienced politician. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to the bereaved family.”
Expressing shock over Rout’s demise, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National vice president Baijayant Panda wrote, “This is an end of a long chapter of Odisha politics! I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing away of senior politician, former minister of Odisha government, longtime MLA, a loyal of Biju Babu, my friend and long-time associate Dr. Damodar Rout. May the departed soul rest in peace. My condolences to the bereaved family.”
Senior BJD leader Prafulla Ghadei reminisced the golden days he had spent with Dama Rout.
Senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Dama Babu. I first met him in 1990. He was a great politician and highly acclaimed MLA. He used to come to the Assembly fully prepared. Dama Babu gave his best as a Minister as well.”
Also, state BJP president Manmohan Samal and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jayanarayan Mishra conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
“I prayed to Lord Jagannath for the peace of the departed soul and conveyed my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends”, Samal said.
“I am saddened to hear the death news of Damodar Rout. Rout was a strong-minded person, a great leader of Odisha politics. He was elected to the Assembly seven times and created a special identity during his tenure as the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Pachanyatiraj and Agriculture. He was a diehard follower of Biju Patnaik. His departure is an irreparable loss to the state and Odisha politics. I am conveying my deepest condolences to his bereaved family and praying for the peace of his departed soul,” said BJD leader Atanu Sabyasachi.
BJD Organisational Secretary Pranab Prakash Das said, “Departure Damodar Rout has created a vacuum in state politics. He has dedicated his life to serving the people of Odisha. His dedication will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.”
Family sources said Damodar’s mortal remains will be taken to his Unit 6 residence, BJD office and his constituency place in Jagatsinghpur district.
Notably, Rout breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar at 5.23 am. He was declared braindead, yesterday.
Rout suffered a massive heart attack on March 18 and he was taken to Capital Hospital. Later he was shifted a private hospital where he was on a life support system.
The 82-year-old politician was one of the founding members of BJD and closely worked with former chief minister Biju Patnaik. A seven-time MLA, Rout had held several portfolios in Naveen Patnaik’s Cabinet.
Rout is survived by his son Sambit Routray, an MLA from Paradip and daughter Preetinanda Routray, a corporator from Ward no. 6 under Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).
His wife Snehalata Mohapatra had predeceased him.
