Ex-MP Dhaneswar Majhi passes away

Bhubaneswar: Veteran tribal leader and former Rajya Sabha member Dhaneswar Majhi died at a hospital in Kalahandi on Wednesday, family sources said.He was 83.

A five-time MLA from Kesinga and Narla Assembly constituencies in Kalahandi district, Majhi was elected to Odisha Assembly in 1971, 1974, 2000, 2004 and 2014. He was member of Rajya Sabha from 1978 to 1984. He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Kesinga Hospital, family sources said.

Majhi was a member of Janata Dal and Biju Janata Dal. He had, however, quit the BJD and joined the BJP.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the demise of Dhaneswar Majhi and said his death has created a void in Odisha politics. “I express my condolence to the family members of Majhi and pray before Lord Jagannath to give peace to his soul,” the Chief Minister said.

Taking to X, Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik said: “I am saddened to learn of the demise of senior politician Dhaneswar Majhi. His work towards the service and betterment of the people will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to the bereaved family members.”