Seven-time Odisha MLA Pradeep Maharathy dies of coronavirus; Guv Lal, CM Patnaik express condolences

A pall of gloom descended on Odisha following the demise of veteran Biju Janata Dal leader Pradeep Maharathy. The Odisha Governor Office tweeted, "Hon'ble Governor condoles the sad demise of Hon'ble MLA and ex-minister Pradeep Maharathy and conveys his deep sympathy to the bereaved family and constituents. Hon'ble Governor condoles the sad demise of Hon'ble MLA & Ex Minister Pradeep Maharathy and conveys his deep sympathy to the bereaved family and constituents. — Governor Odisha October 4, 2020 Former PCC chief of Odisha, Sarat Pattnaik, said it will be tough for BJD to fill the vacuum that has been created due to the demise of Pradeep Maharathy. One of the tallest leaders of @bjd_odisha,would miss his impeccable organizational skills & political acumen — Dr. Amar Patnaik October 4, 2020 BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bhubaneswar, Aparajita Sarangi, told India Today, "Pradeep Maharathy was in Odisha politics for number of years and he has been extremely popular in his area — Pipili and around, he was known for being very well connected with the people in his constituency and around, It is a loss to Odisha politics, many youngsters looked on him for inspiration.