- The passing of former Minister and veteran BJD leader, Damodar Rout, at the age of 82 has left a profound impact on the political landscape of Odisha.
- Rout, a stalwart of Odisha politics, served the state diligently for several decades, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication.
- Throughout his illustrious career, he represented the Erasma and Paradip Assembly constituencies for a total of seven terms, from 1977 to 2019.
- A multifaceted leader, Rout held various ministerial portfolios in the Odisha government, showcasing his versatility and commitment to public service.
- Rout’s close association with iconic leaders such as Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik further solidified his standing in Odisha politics.
- In this moment of grief, Odisha mourns the loss of one of its most illustrious political figures.
The passing of former Odisha Minister and veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader, Damodar Rout, at the age of 82 has left a profound impact on the political landscape of Odisha. Rout breathed his last while undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Bhubaneswar in the early hours of Friday, marking the end of an era in Odisha politics.
Rout, a stalwart of Odisha politics, served the state diligently for several decades, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication. Born on July 2, 1942, to Kapil Charan Rout and Sneha Rout, he embarked on his political journey by being elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly on a Janata Party ticket in 1977. Throughout his illustrious career, he represented the Erasma and Paradip Assembly constituencies for a total of seven terms, from 1977 to 2019.
A multifaceted leader, Rout held various ministerial portfolios in the Odisha government, showcasing his versatility and commitment to public service. He served as Minister of Information and Public Relations, Minister of Panchayatiraj, Minister of Agriculture, Cooperatives, Fisheries and Livestock Development, and Minister of Health, among others. His extensive contributions to the development of Odisha earned him respect and admiration across party lines.
Rout’s close association with iconic leaders such as Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik further solidified his standing in Odisha politics. He was known for his unwavering dedication to the principles of his party and the welfare of the people of Odisha.
The news of Rout’s demise has elicited condolences from across the political spectrum. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep sorrow at the loss, acknowledging Rout’s invaluable contributions to the state. Governor Raghubar Das also extended his condolences, recognizing Rout’s reputation as an efficient MLA, an active minister, and a popular politician.
As Damodar Rout’s body is taken to his government residence in Bhubaneswar, supporters and well-wishers have an opportunity to pay their last respects to the departed leader. His absence leaves a void in Odisha politics, and his legacy of selfless service and dedication will continue to inspire future generations of leaders in the state.
In this moment of grief, Odisha mourns the loss of one of its most illustrious political figures. Damodar Rout’s memory will endure through the lives he touched and the contributions he made to the betterment of the state and its people. May his soul rest in peace.
(With inputs from agencies)
