Shyam Sundar Mahapatra passes away today

New Delhi, Apr 22: Former AICC general secretary and senior Congress leader Shyam Sundar Mahapatara died here today after a prolonged illness.

Family sources said, Mr Mahapatra was admitted to the Escorts Hospital four days ago after he complained of chest pain. He was operated upon by the doctors yesterday.

He breathed his last this afternoon.

He represented Balasore constituency of Orissa in Lok Sabha. He was also a member of Rajya Sabha.

Born in Balasore in January 25, 1929, Mr Mahapatra was AICC general secretary in early 80s, when Ms Indira Gandhi was Congress president. He also headed the Foreign Affairs Cell of the AICC. Mr Mahapatra, a PhD and DLit form Calcutta University, is survived by wife Radha Devi, two sons and a daughter.

The body of departed leader will be flown to Kolkata this evening and would be taken to Balasore by road where funeral rites would be proformed tomorrow.

UNI