Odisha Mourns the Loss of Veteran Politician Damodar Rout at 81

Bhubaneswar, Mar 22 - The political landscape of Odisha mourns the loss of a veteran leader, Damodor Rout, who passed away at a hospital in Bhubaneswar on Friday, as confirmed by his family. At the age of 81, Rout leaves behind a legacy marked by his extensive service to the state through his political career. He is survived by his son Sambit Routray, the BJD MLA of Paradip, and daughter Pritinanda, a corporator of Bhubaneswar. His wife, Snehalata Mohapatra, a retired school teacher, predeceased him.

Rout was rushed to the hospital on March 18 following a heart attack and had been on ventilator support until he was declared brain-dead on Thursday. His demise has elicited condolences from several dignitaries including President Droupadi Murmu, Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and many other noted personalities.

A veterinary doctor by profession before entering politics in the 1970s, Rout was first elected to the assembly in 1977. His political journey saw him being elected as an MLA seven times – five times from Erasama in Jagatsinghpur and twice from Paradip. Throughout his career, he held several key portfolios as a minister in the governments led by both Biju Patnaik and his son Naveen Patnaik. However, in 2019 after being expelled from the BJD for anti-party activities, Rout joined the BJP. He contested the 2019 assembly elections as a BJP candidate from the Erasama-Balikuda seat but was unsuccessful. His expulsion was later revoked on January 1, leading to his return to the BJD.

President Murmu expressed her condolences on X stating, "Saddened by the demise of veteran leader Shri Damodar Rout who served as minister several times in the Odisha Government. Shri Rout's contribution to the progress of Odisha and the country will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to his family members and followers." Similarly, Chief Minister Patnaik shared his grief on X: "I am saddened to learn about the demise of senior Biju Janata Dal leader and former minister Damodor Rout. This is an irreparable loss to Odisha politics. May his soul rest in peace, and my condolences to the bereaved family members."

The final rites for Rout were conducted with full honors. His mortal remains were first taken to the state assembly and then to the BJD headquarters where Chief Minister Patnaik along with several party leaders paid their respects. Subsequently, his body was transported to his native village in Jagatsinghpur. The cremation took place at Swargadwar in Puri late on Friday, as per statements from his family members.

The passing of Damodor Rout marks the end of an era in Odisha's political scene. His contributions and service have left an indelible mark on both the state and its people. As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that his legacy will be remembered for years to come.