Bhubaneswar, May 3 (UNI) Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today expressed deep shock and profound grief at the untimely demise of senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Pramod Mahajan.

In a condolence message, Mr Patnaik said Mr Mahajan endeared himself among the people of India for his charismatic leadership and progressive outlook.

He made an indelible impression on the minds of the people on various public issues of national importance and had an empathy for the poor and the underprivileged, the Chief Minister said.

''Mr Mahajan had raised the problems the underpriveleged in various forums and devoted his entire political career for the development of the country,'' he added.

Mr Patnaik said Mr Mahajan was his personal friend and colleague and his death was a personal loss to him. His demise had caused a void in the public life of the country which would be difficult to fill, the CM added.

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