Bhubaneswar, March 10: Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and several leaders cutting across party lines on Saturday condoled the the death of senior BJD leader and former MLA, V Sugnana Kumari Deo.

Deo, a 10-time MLA from Khallikote and Kabisuryanagar Assembly constituencies in Ganjam district, breathed his last at a private hospital in Chennai this morning. She was 87.

She belonged to the royal family of Khallikote.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Governor expressed deep grief over the death of  Khallikote queen and former MLA V Sugnana Kumari Deo. Conveying his condolences to the bereaved family and followers, he wished the immortal soul rest in peace.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also took to the social media platform to express his condolences over the death of the senior BJD leader.

"I am saddened to hear about the demise of prominent politician and former MLA  V Sugnana Kumari Deo. As a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal, she had made a great contribution in organizing the party . She has left her mark in public service by representing Khalikote and Kabisuryanagar Assembly constituencies 10 times. It is an irreparable loss. May her soul rest in peace and my condolences to the bereaved family members," Patnaik posted on X.

Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan also condoled the death of the MLA. 

"I am saddened to hear the demise of eminent politician, former MLA and queen of Khallikote V Sugnana Kumari Deo. She was well known in the public mind of Odisha as a leader for a long time. Odisha lost an outspoken politician in her passing away. Her public service work as a public representative in the state politics will always be remembered. I express my condolences to the bereaved family.  May the departed soul rest in peace! Om Shanti, " Pradhan posted on X. 

Several other leaders expressed their condolences over the demise of the former MLA.

Deo was first elected to the Odisha Assembly in 1963. She was an eight-time MLA from Khallikote and a two-time MLA from Kabisuryanagar. She was elected as MLA in 1963, 1974, 1977, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2004, 2009 and 2014. 

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