Bhubaneswar, March 22: Veteran BJD leader and former Odisha minister, Damodar Rout, passed away early Friday morning while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. Aged 82, his demise marks a significant loss in Odisha's political landscape.

Rout's mortal remains will be brought to his government residence at Unit-VI in Bhubaneswar today, allowing his supporters to bid their final farewells to the esteemed leader. His health deteriorated rapidly following a severe heart attack on March 18, eventually leading to brain death.

Having served as an MLA for seven consecutive terms from the Erasma and Paradip Assembly constituencies between 1977 and 2019, Rout held ministerial positions across various crucial departments of the Odisha government.

Born on July 2, 1942, to Kapil Charan Rout and Sneha Rout, he embarked on his political journey by winning his first Odisha Legislative Assembly seat on a Janata Party ticket in 1977. Over the years, he represented different political entities, including Janata Party (Secular), Janata Dal, and BJD.

Rout's contributions to Odisha politics were extensive, notably serving as a minister in both Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik Cabinets. His portfolio spanned key areas such as Information and Public Relations, Panchayatiraj, Social Welfare, Women, and Children's Affairs.

Furthermore, he played pivotal roles in various legislative committees, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to public service. Notably, his political journey was deeply intertwined with the counsel and influence of Biju Babu, prompting him to transition from his prior profession to a full-fledged political career.

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