Assam mourns death of ex-governor J B Patnaik

In his condolence message, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi described Patnaik as a multi-faceted personality who had made rich contribution towards literature, culture and in the political firmament spanning several decades. Patnaik was also an erudite Sanskrit scholar who had several books to his credit, Gogoi said.

Recounting his close rapport with Patnaik, the Assam chief minister said he endeared all by his amiable disposition. “A popular leader, he was deeply concerned with the welfare of the people. His contribution towards the growth and development of Odisha will be remembered for all time to come. The void created by his death will be hard to fill,” Gogoi said.

A former chief minister of Odisha, Patnaik was governor of Assam from December 2009 to December, 2014. Present Assam governor PB Acharya in his condolence message said, “He was not only a great public figure but also a renowned Statesman with stout and inimitable leadership qualities. Having been a minister at the Centreand also the chief minister of Odisha for three terms, besides holding several other prestigious positions, he had achieved great heights in his commendable career. He also enjoyed laudable reputation as an able Governor of the State of Assam.”